Valve Cover Replacement - Plastic Loom Issue

[Silver Fox]

I thought the driver's side would be easy, but I cannot get the two studs out of the plastic loom holding all the wires. I've done a search but can't find any solutions.

There appears to be two nuts, the one on the top (10mm), and another sandwiched between the upper and lower part of the plastic loom. I can't figure out the size of this lower nut - if I knew what size it was I may be able to force one of my thin "ignition style" wrenches in between the loom.

I loosened the top nut, and it loosened the entire stud. But, the loom doesn't give me enough slack to get the stud out of the valve cover.

Any tips on getting the two studs out of the the plastic loom off, without destroying it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[toofastforyou]

The way you describe it, it appears that the top nut is stuck to the stud itself and has the whole thing turning instead of coming off. You could try holding the lower small nut with a pair of "vise-grip" (maybe long nose) pliers while trying to loosen the first nut on top...(For your information, the lower smaller diameter nut is part of the stud (one piece...)

good luck,

Claude.

 

[Silver Fox]

The way you describe it, it appears that the top nut is stuck to the stud itself and has the whole thing turning instead of coming off. You could try holding the lower small nut with a pair of "vise-grip" (maybe long nose) pliers while trying to loosen the first nut on top...(For your information, the lower smaller diameter nut is part of the stud (one piece...)

good luck,

Claude.

Thanks Claude - and you are right the top nut appears to be stuck, and I thought the bottom nut was part of the stud but since I cant really see it...

I"m gonna go tinker a bit with it.

 

[toofastforyou]

Also try soaking the top nut with a little "nut-loosening fluid"...it can't hurt!...and yes the bottom nut ( smaller in diameter but taller) definitely is part of the stud.

Have fun!...

Claude.

 

[Silver Fox]

Also try soaking the top nut with a little "nut-loosening fluid"...it can't hurt!...and yes the bottom nut ( smaller in diameter but taller) definitely is part of the stud.

Have fun!...

Claude.

I'm giving up for the night - but had hit it with some penetrant right before reading your post.

By chance, you don't know the size of the nut that is part of the stud, do you?

Rob

 

[toofastforyou]

By chance, you don't know the size of the nut that is part of the stud, do you?

Rob

Rob, I think it's 8 mm...(as opposed to the top nut which should be 10 mm)

Claude.

 

[Silver Fox]

Rob, I think it's 8 mm...(as opposed to the top nut which should be 10 mm)

Claude.

Thanks yet again. I'll try wedging an 8mm wrench and there and see how it goes.

Rob

 

[TurboDave]

As you have likely found out by now, those fixed nuts on the studs are NOT 8mm. They are actually 3/8. Althogh a 10mm will fit, but be somewhat loose.

 

[cetme1]

I had this exact same problem. I was not successful in getting it apart. I may cut it off one day when I'm bored though.

 

[Bruce Urie]

Also try soaking the top nut with a little "nut-loosening fluid"...it can't hurt!...and yes the bottom nut ( smaller in diameter but taller) definitely is part of the stud.

Have fun!...

Claude.

You better be real, real careful with that "nut-loosening fluid."
The last time I used it my fiancee' got pregnant........


Bruce '87 Grand National

 

[charlief1]

You better be real, real careful with that "nut-loosening fluid."
The last time I used it my fiancee' got pregnant........


Bruce '87 Grand National

You're old enough to know, if you want love, use a glove.

 

[aminga]

You're old enough to know, if you want love, use a glove.

Latex or sheepskin?

 

[charlief1]

Latex or sheepskin?

I don't think he's Ty.

 

[Silver Fox]

Okay guys you're getting off topic, so let me get it back on topic - It took my doctor less time to separate my nuts from my nut loosening fluid than it is taking me to get these nuts off the studs...

 

[charlief1]

Okay guys you're getting off topic, so let me get it back on topic - It took my doctor less time to separate my nuts from my nut loosening fluid than it is taking me to get these nuts off the studs...

That's just a bit disturbing.

 

[DCVING 6]

As Cluade said it can be a PIA to get them apart. I just ran into the same thing with my car. I also ended up using vise grips to grip the stud where the threads don't matter (through the valve cover). Got just enough grip I was able to get the top nut off the stud.

 

[Silver Fox]

Success - I finally bought a new pair of vice grips. At first they didn't work, but on the knob you twist to tighten the tension there was an area you can insert a 4mm alen wrench in to tighten it even more. I snugged the vice grips using a 4mm allen wrench and I was finally able to get the nuts loose. What a PIA for such a simple job.

Valve cover is at the powder coaters, and hope to have back together tomorrow or Saturday.

Rob

 

[toofastforyou]

Rob, I'm glad that you finally got them off! It might be a good idea to get some new studs and nuts when reinstalling the valve covers. Also don't forget to put a dab of anti-seize stuff ot at least some kind of lubricant on the threads so the nuts won't freeze on the studs again!

Claude.