Removing Plenum - How to get to Torx Bolts
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 25
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Removing Plenum - How to get to Torx Bolts
Ok. I decided to be brave and tackle this project of changing the fuel injectors on my 1989 Corvette (thanks Jon Banner for great prices and service!). How the heck do I get to the bottom torx bolts on the runners? Is there a tool I can buy to make it easier getting in there?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
You have to remove the plenum first. Then a long 3/8" extension to get to the bolts with a torx that fits the 3/8" extension. There are also bolts on the inside of the runners. BE SURE TO LABEL each bolt as you pull them off......they are different sizes
Also be prepared to fashon some form of plug for your fuel lines....even with the pressure released the lines will leak. You don't want fuel spilling and flowing for any length of time.
Also be prepared to fashon some form of plug for your fuel lines....even with the pressure released the lines will leak. You don't want fuel spilling and flowing for any length of time.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Thanks for the advice. I got the plenum out and labeled the bolts. Now, do I really need to remove the runners to replace the injectors or can I get to the fuel rails while leaving the runners intact?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
To collapse the fuel rail, remove the two crossover tubes.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
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From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
Ok. I decided to be brave and tackle this project of changing the fuel injectors on my 1989 Corvette (thanks Jon Banner for great prices and service!). How the heck do I get to the bottom torx bolts on the runners? Is there a tool I can buy to make it easier getting in there?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
This is another reason to remove the runners. If you leave the passenger side runner loose when reassembling, its easier to get the plenum on and you don't damage gaskets. Make sure you check for fuel leaks before reassembling the runners and plenum. Oh and don't forget the connector on the bottom of the plenum. I made that mistake. Felt like an idiot.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 248
Likes: 5
From: Mt. Juliet TN
[QUOTE=John A. Marker;1569367330] BE SURE TO LABEL each bolt as you pull them off......they are different sizes
I had my bolts in a magnetic tray that the gremlins kicked to the floor. I have 2 bolts that are 1/4 in. longer than the plenum bolts and am not sure which holes that they go in. I don't want to have a vacuum leak when i put it back together. Any ideas?
I had my bolts in a magnetic tray that the gremlins kicked to the floor. I have 2 bolts that are 1/4 in. longer than the plenum bolts and am not sure which holes that they go in. I don't want to have a vacuum leak when i put it back together. Any ideas?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
[QUOTE=krazy1;1574855428]
Stick something, like a cut off piece olf coat hangar, into the bolt holes and see how deep they are before bottoming out. That'll tell you.
I've removed the fuel rails with the injectors still attached (86 Vette) to pressurize the fuel system to see if any injector was leaking. Too late in your case though.
No need to make this little task more complicated then need be is how I approached it.
Jake
BE SURE TO LABEL each bolt as you pull them off......they are different sizes
I had my bolts in a magnetic tray that the gremlins kicked to the floor. I have 2 bolts that are 1/4 in. longer than the plenum bolts and am not sure which holes that they go in. I don't want to have a vacuum leak when i put it back together. Any ideas?
I had my bolts in a magnetic tray that the gremlins kicked to the floor. I have 2 bolts that are 1/4 in. longer than the plenum bolts and am not sure which holes that they go in. I don't want to have a vacuum leak when i put it back together. Any ideas?
I've removed the fuel rails with the injectors still attached (86 Vette) to pressurize the fuel system to see if any injector was leaking. Too late in your case though.
No need to make this little task more complicated then need be is how I approached it.
Jake
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 5
From: Bay Shore, NY
Ok. I decided to be brave and tackle this project of changing the fuel injectors on my 1989 Corvette (thanks Jon Banner for great prices and service!). How the heck do I get to the bottom torx bolts on the runners? Is there a tool I can buy to make it easier getting in there?
You can remove the injectors without actually removing the runners. Removal of the plenum usually gives you the room. However, mine wouldn't come out without loosening the runners. At that point it was easier to remove the runners as well and send both plenum and runners to get cleaned and bead blasted.
