Robert Henriksen

I managed to yank the airbox off the motor in order to change out the spark plug wires a few days ago. Now, I'm a bit stymied in getting it re-installed. <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" />

It looks like it'd be really easy with the engine on an engine stand, though <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" />

The main hang-up is connecting it to the mass air sensor (or whatever the right term is). It looks like I've got to rotate the airbox counter-clockwise about 35 degrees (or about 5 degrees more than is possible) to engage the plastic bits on each side, and then rotate it back into place.

What the hell's the trick?!? Remove the engine? <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> I'd really like to get this ONE LITTLE THING done so I can get back to <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />

Robin 993DX

Robert,

I was wondering about that and was scratching my head when you told me in your e-mail you removed your air box assembly. (I was curious not to hear you having any problem installing it back)

Now I know my hunch was right. The 96+ air box assembly once removed is almost impossible to put back. (Unless you know the trick).

Unfortunately that information is in my office, I will fax it to you tomorrow. E-mail me your fax number. (pages from the shop manual)

Robert Henriksen

Good news: there's a trick.

Bad news: Ray's gonna find out I didn't read the #$%@# manual!

Which I DO have, I'll go see if I can find it (the trick) tonight. If I can't, I'll email you for the page #.

thanks,

RNH

Mike J

I recently took my air box off and then on again on my 96 Targa with Varioram.

I recommend that you do not "yank" the airbox off..it will come off easily if the removal procedure is correct.

I followed this procedure:

Release:
- Remove cover and filter off airbox
- Undo the top bolt on the front of the air box
- Loosen the clamp on the inboard side of the air sensor. This takes a very long screwdriver (24") and good eyesight but you should be able to see it over the varioram body. Loosen it enough to rotate the air mass sensor
- Squeeze your hand between the top of the mainfold and the sound pad, try to grab the air sensor and rotate the top towards the front of the car. You need to rotate it until the air box comes loose.

Attach:
- This is more difficult. Push the airbox against the sensor body and reach in and rotate the sensor top back towards the rear of the car. This takes a few tries but be patient. You have to squeeze your hands on the top of the manifold. Really tight squeeze if your hands are large (like mine!).
- You will feel the lock catch the air box if you get if right. It takes some coordination
- Once locked, you can retighten the clamp and rebolt the front of the airbox again.

It took me a while to get this the first time but once you have the hang of it you can make room in the engine bay pretty fast!

Cheers,

Mike

Robert Henriksen

Thanks, Mike. I just got finished going cover-to-cover through the service manual (volume I), and it matches what you're describing. It leaves out useful information like screwdriver size & how to get at the silly thing.

I'm going out to the garage & see just how one uses a 24" screwdriver in such a confined space in the front of the motor...

Robert Henriksen

Fixed!! Thanks Mike! <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

I will add the following:

Getting to the inner hose clamp of the air flow sensor was, for once, easy: the screw is perfectly oriented. The screwdriver is approaching over the top of the intake manifold, and I found my 10" screwdriver was comfortably long enough (10" shaft plus the handle, FWIW).

Once I'd loosened the hose clamp, I needed to unplug the wires plugged into the air flow sensor before it would rotate more than a couple of degrees - the wiring harness didn't have enough play in it.

Can I add your info to the plug wire DIY on p-car.com?

Only bummer now is I can't fire it up! <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" /> 1:00 in the morning, my wife would SHOOT my a$$ <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" />

Hey, that reminds me, Robin! My kitchen is directly over the garage... a few weeks ago, I started the car & was revving the motor for some reason. My wife's always told me that the floor in the kitchen shakes when I fire up the motor; this time, since I hadn't pulled out of the garage, after a minute or so a wine glass vibrated out of the rack & shattered on the floor! Can I make a warranty claim against my RSR mufflers? <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

Robin 993DX

[quote]Originally posted by Robert Henriksen:
<strong>Robin! My kitchen is directly over the garage... a few weeks ago, I started the car & was revving the motor for some reason. My wife's always told me that the floor in the kitchen shakes when I fire up the motor; this time, since I hadn't pulled out of the garage, after a minute or so a wine glass vibrated out of the rack & shattered on the floor! Can I make a warranty claim against my RSR mufflers? <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>


I think you should make a warranty claim against your builder!


<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Mike J

That great Robert!

I don't remember having to unplug the sensor when I rotated it...I must have a little more slack in my wiring harness than you.

Absolutely correct about the screwdriver on top of the manifold. I used a very long one so I could put a light up as well to see the "target". I tell you though, they really put the clamp wayyyy back there don't they? I sometime wish I was the guy made of rubber from the Fanstastic Four (boy, that dates me huh?).

Yes, this should be put together as a tip on p-car.com. Someone is going to pry the air box off the sensor one time and really really be sorry!

Cheers,

Mike
Just back from the garage scrubbing off a whole lot of crud inside the underside and wheel-wells on my new 993; I am starting to appreciate the word "fanatical"! Got it shiny clean though!

Robert Henriksen

[quote]Originally posted by Mike J:
<strong>Just back from the garage scrubbing off a whole lot of crud inside the underside and wheel-wells on my new 993; I am starting to appreciate the word "fanatical"! Got it shiny clean though!</strong><hr></blockquote>

Man, didn't the PPI catch that?!?

Mike J

Hi Robert,

Oh I am much more picky than the PO. This 'crud' was just the oil based protectant that they use in the eastern parts of Canada...it all came off clean and rust free underneath, no damage. I am glad it was there because it protected the original finish on the undercarriage. For a car with 60K miles is nice and new underneath!

I knew about it as part of the PPI but who in the real world except **** people like myself (and maybe others on this list?) actually wash the **inside** of their wheelwells?


Cheers,

Mike

<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

Robert Henriksen

[quote]Originally posted by Mike J:
<strong>I knew about it as part of the PPI but who in the real world except **** people like myself (and maybe others on this list?) actually wash the **inside** of their wheelwells?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Urrr... uhhh... Not ME, nosir, *I* don't do that kind of thing! Really!