1999 Chevy Malibu engine

Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Chevy Malibu Two Wheel Drive Automatic 123.55 miles

I Just Broke Down my engine, down to the heads, why a blown head gasket. While I was looking I found a wire worn out. What is this wire and do I need to replace it. It on top of the block. Just above the cam. At the front of the engine block. No heads are on the engine. Is this another smog gunk wire or emissions peace of. Thank You