I went for what I call a no-mess method. No unnecessary systems were opened and no fluids had to be topped up for this.
Parts & Supplies
- The lifter bucket. part #13231-1MC5E
- HPFP O-Ring. Part # 16618-1LA0D
The manual recommends that the lifter & O-ring do not be reused. For insurance, you might as well buy the 2 studs & nuts for the HPFP in case something breaks. - Stud. Part # 08244-82510
- Hex nut. Part # 08918-3081A
- Rags/paper towels, cleaning agent
- Engine oil/compatible lubricant
- 10mm socket & ratchet, extensions as needed
- 10mm wrench
- 19mm open end wrench
- *E8 Torx socket
- Set of pliers
- 19mm flare nut wrench might offer more security
- *pry tool for push clips
- *siphon or syringe
- Cut the fuel supply* and crank the car a few times until it can't run anymore. You could pull the fuse, or do it like me and disconnect the electrical plug.
- Let the engine cool down
- Remove the engine cover (Two 10mm bolts)
- Open the radiator cap and lower the coolant level in the filler neck. Siphon it out, or do it like me and just coerce the coolant into the reservoir
- Remove the rear coolant hose. The hose clamp needs pliers
This gives more room to remove the foam over the HPFP - Unclip the wire harness to get more slack. Flathead or pliers.
- Remove the wire plug attached to the front side of the HPFP.
- Not necessary, but you might want to remove the air snorkel for more clearance
- Unfasten the bracket holding the flexible fuel line. Two 10mm bolts
- Unfasten anything else that seems like it will allow more play in the interaction between fuel line and wire harness above it.
Warning: do not kink the fuel line - Remove the nuts holding the HPFP down. Two 12mm nuts.
The studs might move as you turn the nuts. - The HPFP will spring up and you can move it around to ensure it's loose
- You can try to work it up and over the studs, under the coolant filler neck, under the fuel hardline that goes to the engine...but you'll likely encounter some obstruction.
Remember, you should pay attention to not kink the supply hose!
This is where the EdBwoy principle swings in again. - Remove the 2 studs for more lateral clearance. E8 Torx, swivel joints & extensions probably needed.
- With the sides clear, you can now swivel the HPFP a little more freely, and tuck it under the hardline & coolant filler neck as you pull it out.
- The plunger, spring and retainer will be visible at the bottom and the bucket will remain in the hole.
- Hopefully, when you pull it up with your finger, it moves, but a pair of needle nose pliers came in handy for me to pull it up.
Hopefully yours isn't too bad and the lifter bucket actually looks like a bucket with 4 holes, not a large gaping hole. Mine looked OK, as I assume it had been addressed during the timing chain recall. Maybe a 2014+ V8 owner needs to check their system as well and share what they see.
Some considerations
I recommend some cleaning of any obviously grimy surfaces, but be mindful of scoring any of these tight tolerance spaces.
Do not let any cleaning solvents come into contact with the HPFP O-ring. Handle it with utmost care if you choose to replace it, and lube it on the way in.
Also, please lube up the new bucket before inserting it.
Otherwise, installation is the reverse of removal.
Watching the youtube video in the next post might help you prepare.
