Tools For Plenum Removal

[goody90q45]

I took the plenum off the 90Q today for the third time and replaced fuel injector #7. After 4 months of ownership and removing the plenum three times to replace a total of five dead, dying and plugged injectors she's finally running great. Not to brag (maybe a little) but I'm getting pretty good at this and it only took me 3 hours from start to finish.

When I got done and looked at the tools I used for the job I was surprised to see how few basic hand tools were needed. I thought I would post up a pic with short explanations for future searchers and current procrastinators.



From the left:> Standard screwdriver.... Prying hoses, remove air tube clamps> Very small screwdriver... Mostly for removing clips on electrical connectors> 10mm ratcheting combination wrench.... You can disssemble 80% of the Q with this one wrench.> 1/4" drive ratchet.... The plenum and intake are aluminum. You could use a 3/8" drive ratchet but it's too easy to strip threads and bolts. Go small.> 6mm hex bit X 3/8" drive....Needed for TB removal> 3/8" X 1/4" ratchet adapter.... Needed only to use a 1/4" drive ratchet wrench for TB removal.> 6" extension for 1/4" drive ratchet....a must have tool.> 10mm X 1/4" drive short and long sockets.... These will get a lot of use.> 12mm X 1/4" deep socket.... For removing EGR bolts> Needlenose pliers.... A couple of sizes for clamps, clips, etc.> Adjustable Pliers....Hose clamp removal> Crescent Wrench.... Nut connecting EGR to its exhaust tube. A 30mm box wrench works also but that size is not in my tool box.> The flashlight and retrieval tools are for when you drop small bolts and other hand tools under the plenum. You know you will.

[Q451990]

For three bucks I think I'll get one of these before my next plenum adventure. It's a magnetic pickup tool with a built-in LED flashlight



http://www.harborfreight.com/c...96673

Heath

[maxnix]

I think you forgot the How To Curse In Japanese handbook.

[qsiguy]

Where are the bandaids and Tylenol for the back pain?

[AlabamaDan]

Nice. Thanks man.

[elwesso]

Great post Goody, thanks! You forgot to include the FSM and all the parts diagrams so you can figure out how to put together the worlds most intense 3D puzzle!!

[infinitinut2]

Such comments are why I will get on T3's schedule at the very first sign of work to be done under that bloody thing!

Frankly, when I changed out the plugs at 120K, I felt that it was one of the hardest auto repairs that I had ever made (I came to the conclusion that the independent shop that I had used for the 60K service HAD NOT changed the plugs! And, with even the 120K on the OEM ones I r/r, I had not experienced any driveability issues, or lost mpg). I do not even remotely consider myself an auto tech/mechanic/whatever, but I have done a lot of PM/repairs on other cars, but that plug job on the Q was no fun! Hats off to you folks who have done it yourself, without lasting physical (MENTAL) damage!

[elwesso]

the mental damage is usually what kills people on the Q. It definitely tests darwinism at its best, survival of the fittest!

[Curacaoq45]

i removed mine last week for the first time. I took about a week to do it because when I get fustrated i just get up and leave the cr, when I'm calm again I return to keep going, Hope it will be easier to put it back.

[Q451990]

I took about a week to do it because when I get fustrated i just get up and leave the cr, when I'm calm again I return to keep going,

A far better choice over the usual beating the hell out of something in your garage with a large wrench method that I use!

Hetah