Plenum Pulled. Now a Interesting Question

[aroche25]

Long story short my friend started pulling my car apart a little too fast and unsealed/bolted my lower plenum. Needless to say there is an idler pulley there. I was wondering if it would be okay to cut a small sliver out of metal shield behind the stud to remove the lower plenum? The only issue i could see is that if i don't make it flush again the idler will rub on my cut. OR should I try and pull the stud off with a stud puller? I ask because i rather not pull every single pulley off to remove the metal shield. I do understand I will need to redo my timing no matter what now. A 60k timing job was done about a year ago by the previous owner, so i wont bother to change anything unless it looks like it is needed. I also will be doing my cam seals since my driver side intake was leaking slightly among other main seals/gaskets ie. valve cover and such. Is there any seals that I must do while here?

[BigTDogg (MA)]

You can cut the shield, but I'd suggest using a proper stud remover to take the stud out.

[GerryO]

Won't the shields need to be removed to replace the camshaft seals, and why not replace the crankshaft seal at the same time? Also, take the time to check the KS and its' sub-harness.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

I can't remember, but I think you do need to pull the shields.

[nissanfreak12]

Yes, the shields need to come off to change the seals. Either way, the cam pulleys would have to come off to replace the seals and its maybe 6 more bolts to take the shields off. Not worth cutting if you already went that far.

[aroche25]

Long story short, I got it off with a stud puller. During removal i damaged the stud so i have ordered ramyz upgraded upper stud. Thanks

[J30tChumpCar]

Mark your timing belt to re-install the same rotation.

[aroche25]

What is the best way to go over the original markings on the belt so they are easier to see?

[J30tChumpCar]

A dot of liquid paper, magic marker, a dot of nail polish, white crayon.

[aroche25]

Thanks for the ideas i used white nail polish. One more question, my brake booster hose just cracked (same one that's here http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_in ... cts_id=727) and i was wondering if i have to buy the nissan one or if i can just run some hose the same size there? I cant tell if there is a reason to the length or if there's any special fitting inside the hose.