I done a good thing oh boy oh boy..

[AZhitman]

Spent today in the garage with Quella.

I replaced all three belts - Not a big job AT ALL! They went in real easy. Fan has several stress cracks, so the dealer's getting a visit Tuesday.

So, feeling a little sparky, I pulled the TB and cleaned it (FUN!) and cleaned the entire inside of the plenum. I soaked a rag in TB cleaner and was able to work it in and out of each runner, all the way down to the heads (I have skinny hands and wrists). Not too filthy (it was done 11/01), but the TB was super nasty. The 2 tiny orifices at the bottom (idle air holes?) were completely plugged, so they're now spotless and free of gunk.

Feeling even more confident, I also pulled the EGR off the back of the plenum and cleaned it - the smaller of the 2 hardlines has a very narrow orifice which was completely plugged.

When I was done I ran an intake cleaner (fogger) through for good measure. Definite seat-of-the-pants improvement.

Felt good to do a job (albeit minor) and have it turn out well, with no hitches.

[PalmerWMD]

Thats awesome!

maybe you should do a little write-up for our FAQ about these often asked about jobs?

Fred...

[DAEDALUS]

Good job! I'm amazed you could clean the runners from through the plenum! Seems impossible to me. I might be able to get a rag down there, but I definitely wouldn't be able to give it much of a scrubbing. Replacing the fan is a much smaller job than doing the belts. A gearwrench really helps but isn't necessary. Loosen the fan belt first (maybe not necessary, but I feel better if I do). Remove the 4 nuts holding the clutch to the pump, then remove the clutch with the fan. There should be just enough room to wiggle them out of the plastic shrouding. Then replace the fan on the clutch. Finally reinstall the clutch/fan and tighten up the belt.

[Q451990]

That's great! I too am amazed that you could clean much inside the plenum without removing it! Dennis has a cage full of trained mice for that job

Be sure to check your service manual for torque specs for the fan bolts - it's really low. I guess the coupling is made of very soft aluminum.

Heath

[DenverQ]

Go hitman!!!

Thats what I am going to do when I get my Q back.

Boy do I miss her =(

PS. Now go find you a mustang to destroy!:ylsuper

[VimyJ]

:thumbup It's a good feeling, eh?, to improve your ride yourself with the knowledge gained from this site. Empowering. I'm very curious as to the condition of my EGR and reading accounts like yours makes me feel more confident about DIYing. Heck, I have probably saved $400 in service charges alone just from learning how to clean my throttle bodies.

[AZhitman]

I forgot to state that I did pull the fan (to swap the belts). It was a PIA until I figured out how to brace the fan hub with a screwdriver to keep it from turning.

The fan's covered under warranty, so they can swap it this time. (Although part of me hopes it goes and takes the old radiator with it... SHHH!)

Yeah, the plenum thing was pretty interesting - Kind of a contortion job. I cheated for the two farthest-away runners by using a rag wrapped around a flexible aquarium cleaning brush. However, that technique is patent pending and you'll owe me a nickel if you use it.