Plenum fix checklist/tips
#1
Plenum fix checklist/tips
Got my Hughes plate.
Can you guys help build a checklist and offer tips that made your install easier.
-Tools (basic, nothing special)
-new antifreeze
-kegger gasket
-kegger bolts
-new belt while im at it
-new t-stat
-new coolant bypass hose
-black rtv
-blue locktite
Can any coolant get into the engine if I do this wrong?
Do I drain the coolant out of the radiator? or is there a plug on the block like some old chevys?
Can you guys help build a checklist and offer tips that made your install easier.
-Tools (basic, nothing special)
-new antifreeze
-kegger gasket
-kegger bolts
-new belt while im at it
-new t-stat
-new coolant bypass hose
-black rtv
-blue locktite
Can any coolant get into the engine if I do this wrong?
Do I drain the coolant out of the radiator? or is there a plug on the block like some old chevys?
#2
#3
Here is what I bought.
I also bought a can of seafoam and ran it through the night before I did the repair at my buddies house.
I also recommend grabbing some 3/8 hose to plug onto the radiator when you drain it to save you from a mess lol.
Also recommend removing the fan clutch... makes it so much easier (once you get it off hahaha). I used the two bolt method (in the pulley holes) and use a breaker bar between the bolts to hold the pulley in place. Then I used an adjustable with a pipe on the end and she came off like a hot knife through butter. Get the right tools if you can though... I just used what I had.
Like HeyYou said, this is a great time to do a tuneup. I did new plugs, wires, cap, rotor even though I just did it two years ago. Went with the duralast cap because it has a 5 year warranty... Went with the taylor wires because the mopar performance wires were a little tight.
Here was my summit cap after 2 years... sheesh
Anyway... the overall process isn't bad. I used a shop vac to suck most of the coolant that went into the valley back out. The rest was drained from the oil pan. I ran the conventional oil through with a new filter for less than a day to grab that last bit of stuff, then swapped to my usual synthetic.
Things you may want to consider
TB gasket
Intake gaskets (you just have kegger listed)
razor blades (to scrap old gaskets)
pcv valve
front o2 sensor
NEW INTAKE BOLTS (not pan) Mine were coroded pretty bad and I actually broke one.
Carb Cleaner (I prefer 2+2, but the walmart stuff is not bad at all)
plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc
new coolant upper hose
If i think of anything else ill let you know.
Last edited by pcfixerpro; 09-22-2010 at 10:53 AM.
#5
there are 2 block drain plugs. hex head pipe plugs. one on each side, hiding behind the engine mounts. they're tight. clamp some good vise grips or a 6 point socket to prevent it from rounding off. use some teflon tape or liquid when reinstalling and don't overtorque. snug is good enough.
you'll need a 3/8" fuel line disconnect to remove the fuel line from the rail. the cheap plastic $3 one is good enough.
you'll need a 3/8" fuel line disconnect to remove the fuel line from the rail. the cheap plastic $3 one is good enough.
#6
#7
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#8
Good time to think about timing chain and water pump also, since everything is off. Some clean rags or shop towels work great over the galley when you scrape the gasket off. If you take the fuel injectors out, get new o-rings...they are very cheap. (dont forget to put the clips back on the injectors, or you will have a fire) Take the fan shroud out with the fan also, it will open up gobs of room...and if you are skinny like me, you can stand between the radiator and block. A small dab of super glue works good to keep the intake gaskets in place. Carb cleaner or brake cleaner to clean it up.
An ice cold case of beer helps immensely also! Or some ice cold soda if you're not of age lol
An ice cold case of beer helps immensely also! Or some ice cold soda if you're not of age lol
#9
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Lee County, North Carolina
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I didn't have any coolant get into the engine and all I did was pop the bottom radiator hose off to drain it.
If you have an air compressor you should blow out the space between the valve covers and the intake manifold before you start so you don't get any dirt in the engine.
Definitely do like pcfixerpro and lay all your tools on the cowl then climb into the engine. Leaning over the fender for as long as it will take you would not be pleasant for your knees.
Start in the morning unless you have a garage, working in the dark sucks unless you have a bright light and a fan to blow the bugs away.
If you have an air compressor you should blow out the space between the valve covers and the intake manifold before you start so you don't get any dirt in the engine.
Definitely do like pcfixerpro and lay all your tools on the cowl then climb into the engine. Leaning over the fender for as long as it will take you would not be pleasant for your knees.
Start in the morning unless you have a garage, working in the dark sucks unless you have a bright light and a fan to blow the bugs away.