Has anybody changed a KS on a cali emissions max? I cant figure out how to get under the intake manifold without removing it. Theres emissions equipment blocking the only access point.
Maybe if i took the throttle body off?

 

Why not just take the manifolds off, and do it the right way? Really not as difficult as it's made out to be.

 

It's doable. It's hard enough on a non-CA spec., but it's even harder on a '99 CA spec. But doable. I've only done my '96 but The Wizard has done his '99. So shoot him a PM.

 

i tried and failed on mine. i just could not get my hand far enough in. pull the manifolds. i took me 2 and a half hours with only hand tools.

 

Mine was an absolute pain in the ***. If I were you, I wouldn't mess around and just take off the UIM as it is probably the easiest way if you do not have patience.

 

I agree with everyone else. Pull the manifolds off to do the job right. Basic tools and a good ratchet/socket set is all you need. Plus about 4 hours of time if you've never done it before.

However, if you're a stubborn **** and refuse to pull the manifolds, changing the KS can be done but I warn you, it ain't no picnic! If you're like me, you'll be cussing up a storm and wishing you never had a CA spec Max.

I removed the swirl valve actuator and the lever arm plus a few misc things, and was able to replace the KS w/o removing the upper and lower IM's. Not a very easy task, but I did it in about 2 hours.

This tool helped me do the job......

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100029685

The head can be titled at an angle, so that the head is parallel to the ground, while the extension is at the perfect angle for you to work. The extension also can be extended by pulling on the circular donut you see in the pic to give you extra leverage and length (about another 6").

And, after you position the handle to the right angle, you can 'lock it' with a push of a button (the small black circle you see approximately in the middle of the ratchet)

And it's guranteed for life. This tool rocks. A must have.

Go to Home Depot and check it out.

 

i have a 99 cali spec as well, and its just time before i will have to do this sheeeit. Seems like ^^^ got the last tool from home depot.

 

The product you are trying to view is not currently available.

 

Weird. I've gave this link out to someone 3 weeks ago and it worked just fine.

Searching Home Depot's website, it appears they longer carry it.

It was a Husky Pro tool FWIW. I bet the last ones are still on the pegs though at Home Depot. You guys better go soon to get it!!

 

You don't have to pull the manifolds off, thats crazy.

Take the air filter box cover off along with the MAF and the tube to the TB. That will free up some room to work. Next remove two bolts holding the swish valve actuator and move it out of the way. You can now clearly see the KS, just get a ratchet with an extension and a swivel and it's pretty straight forward.

Took me about 20 minutes to change mine.

 

Great input. Wizard, I am a stubborn **** and im gonna have to try just taking the tb and swirl valve sh-t outta the way first. Then ill pull the manifold.

 

Wizard...which tool was it anyways as the link you posted didnt have any details or photos? Just curious.

 

You can also use a crowfoot wrench. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0P?vName=Tools. (I think 10mm is the right size.) I thought I got mine for a couple of bucks, but maybe it was more than that. Just stick it on the end of a socket extension, and it works perfectly.