AFR readings???

[FastWoman]

I replaced the injector screws with socket head screws so I could get them out easily if I need to.

... and I SHOULD have done that, but I cheaped out. The stainless allen head screws were $2 each. I just got hex-head stainless screws. In hindsight, the space is a bit tight to get a socket around the hex head. The allen head would have been perfect.

[TomoHawk]

That's what I got, the allen head screws.

[argniest]

I replaced the injector screws with socket head screws so I could get them out easily if I need to.

Can you tell me specifically where to get those socket head screws and what side etc? I would like to do the same thing.

After reading your answers so far, I have a bad feeling about trying to remove those screws!!!!!!!!

And I dont know how to take off my intake manifold. That sounds like a HUGE project....which I am not counting on. ughghghghghghghg

[argniest]

... and I SHOULD have done that, but I cheaped out. The stainless allen head screws were $2 each. I just got hex-head stainless screws. In hindsight, the space is a bit tight to get a socket around the hex head. The allen head would have been perfect.

Whats the difference? I am sure I have seen them before, but dont know exactly what they look like. I mean I couldnt pick them out of a lineup right now. But I want to replace those old screws (assuming I have a millions years worth of good luck and even get them out in the first place that is)

[argniest]

I had to remove my intake manifold (which had to be done anyway, so no great loss) and take it to a machine shop to have that screw and a few other stubborn fasteners extracted. But be careful, because if you're not (and even maybe if you are), you'll end up with enough of your engine disassembled that it looks a bit scary.

Now I am really nervous, but you know what, whether I do it, or a real mechanic...whats the difference right. I am strong, I can turn a screwdriver as good as the next mechanic. I will use a big long screwdriver, and use some of that liquid magic you mentioned. And just try one at a time.

If someone is gonna strip it anyway or break the darn thing off, I might as well be the lucky guy to do it.

And BTW, what is involved in taking off the intake manifold? How long does something like that take? I am somewhat familar now, with the general amount of parts in that area of the car. Seems like it would take a while and I would end up really messing that job up. Sigh....all for just removing 12 dumb screws.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited January 21, 2011 by argniest

[sblake01]

Whats the difference?

Ease of removal...next time.

[TomoHawk]

There are many sources fort he injector bolts. Pallnet is one source:

http://www.freewebs.com/pallnet/index.htm

[FastWoman]

Argneist, an experienced mechanic might be better at removing stubborn screws, which is not to say that you shouldn't do the job yourself. (I'm just telling you.) After taking on a big engine project, you'll get experienced pretty fast! Just be slow, careful, and thoughtful, because mistakes can cost you -- money, time, frustration, emotional drain.

If your injector screws are frozen, I suspect your engine hasn't had any major work before. In that case, your manifold nuts/bolts/studs should be well frozen too. I can tell you it might be a long and frustrating process to R&R the intake and exhaust manifolds. (You do both at the same time.) You can read all about my saga in my "purs like a kitten" thread. How hard? Well, let's just say when I managed to break that last rusted/corroded/almost-not-there stump of a stud loose, we went out to dinner to celebrate.

That said, the next time (if there's a next time) will be a snap, because my threads are all clean and lubricated with nickel anti-sieze, my hardware is all fresh and new, and the whole assembly won't have 3 decades of corrosion on it. I suspect I could R&R the manifolds in a long afternoon (or at least a day) now.

Edited January 21, 2011 by FastWoman

[argniest]

I totally hear ya, about being slow, careful, and thoughtful. I am in no rush at all. I found all 3 penetrants locally, the 3 in 1 snake oil, the PB buster, and the Kroil(all at the same store on the same shelf - he he). So I put some of the Kroil on one set of screws and PB Buster on the next set of screws. Will leave it soak for a few days. I also bought a good quality, extra long, hardened phillips #2 screwdriver. We shall see if they will turn after soaking. I really hope they will.

>>>because mistakes can cost you -- money, time, frustration, emotional drain

Yeahhhh I hear you. I havent gotten myself into any trouble **YET**, but starting to mess with stuff like this....could get me into hot water fast. I will be careful. Want to avoid stress, and money out the window. And having the car towed back to my relatives shop. He will just smirk and say, I was expecting you.

My relative who worked on the car, also replaced the exhaust monifold gasket. He said he was all messed up. I was glad he fixed that, because that could have been the source of some engine running problems. And after he did it, I really do think the engine sounded and felt stronger. So at least we know that part of the car has been taken off within about 1 year ago.

I have seen shiny new headers that I want to have installed. But since I still dont have car running close to specs its pointless. But someday I would like to do that.

Edited January 22, 2011 by argniest

[FastWoman]

And having the car towed back to my relatives shop. He will just smirk and say, I was expecting you.

I doubt it. He'll probably be impressed that you're learning to do this stuff yourself.

[argniest]

I doubt it. He'll probably be impressed that you're learning to do this stuff yourself.

He is probably really glad I am doing more stuff on my own. Then I dont have to bother him much anymore. There are weeks that go by now, when I dont have to bug him about something. He is constantly on the phone dealing with everybodies crazy problems with their mercedes, BMW's, jags. He calls american cars foreign cars he he

I have so many things on my todo list now. Things thanks to my research and people on this forums,have given me plenty of things to do, and check, and research.