powdered Hood Insulation

Hi all

I have a 89 Johnson 15 hp and noticed when I pull the hood off there is black granular powder all over the engine and compartment. It is the hood insulation degrading and powderizing. (spell Check) I looked on line and the OEM insulation is discontinued. I really don't want that stuff in the carb as we all know there is no air filter. so the question is.
1) does anyone use a substitute material to replace it ? maybe some of the foil faced insulation for water heaters. and

2) is it something I really need, does it provide heat and noise insulation or just noise. and how much louder do you think it would be without it.

Thanks to all

I just removed all of it from my 25 hp 'rude and it was just a tad louder - no other harm

I think the foil lined water heater type insulation would work

It is for sound not really heat (your engine should not be getting all that hot up there or you will vapor lock your fuel)

Check with stereo shops they have a sound deadener. IIRC it's Dynamat.