Am planning surgery to replace the fuel injectors and spark plugs, plus clean the MAF at 306k miles.

Replaced the spark plugs several times so no prob getting into the guts

any special to look out / check etc getting out them injectors, etc??

surgery is to combat the dreaded P0420 in prep for emissions.

Peep at 6:30 in vid

replaced Catyl and O2’s about 2 years back…

 

Cat efficiency codes are usually related to o2 sensor issues, unless your cats are clogged.

 

OEM sensor, by radiator, replaced about 3 months back.

gas range remains @ 530 miles on a full tank; ( averaged about 400 miles when Catyl bad - replaced both about 2 years back)

running lean now

front 3 plugs gaps 0.081, 0.083, 0.092, and replaced April 2022. ( New plugs gap is .044)

 

@LtLeary
tried sending you a DM x 3. Uncertain if it went through. Let me know…👊👊

 

Got Em!

 

By the way, your rear cat off of bank 1 will probably need replacement. You can certainly try replacing the O2 sensor but no matter what I tried with my P0430, I had to ultimately replace the front bank 2 cat. Good luck with those connectors on the injectors. I had to give up on mine after breaking two (Big fingers + low patience = Dang!)

 

Haven’t touched the rear since a CEL didn’t show, but will consider.
yup, ouch!!!! Guess you called quits after. Been Utubing quite a few “how to” clean and replace. Parts enroute, but curious to the spray zones and may try testing the OEMs….

 

Please do keep is updated on your efforts! Even failires teach.

 

@LtLeary Et Al:

Will do. Injectors and plugs arrived yesterday, surgery this weekend.

did surgery Re: video below - yet to start 2nd solenoid at back - so far the solenoid by coolant jug is clean and not clogged)



car passed emissions after clearing code and drove several cycles over 3 days. Ghastly P- code show as “pending “ in OBD.

10 miles later, same emission test day, P code returned —- at least am good for another 2-years on emission.

 

Update.
Surgery lasted about 2 1/2 hours.
wont get into details. A YouTube vid around how to change spark plugs.

the rails held w 4 bolts. I used the vid below to lift the rails

two of the “O-rings” decided to disintegrate into the rails. Simply remove the injector next to the problem injector, placed a hose over the neck and blow. This dislodged the fragments.

Cleaned some grease residue, reversed procedure.

here’s my plugs and injectors.

 

The gaps on the plugs were off and replaced.

first 3 w new plug taken from the front (by radiator….)

 

The solenoids… that’s another story

was able to get to them (front by coolant is easy - bolts)

back one:
jack up engine by oil pan
remove both mounts
remove coolant and brake jugs

the plate above the serpentine is a PITA. Finally removed about 30 minutes later.

removed both solenoids and they were not clogged.

watch video above.

cleaned MAF sensor

Car doesn’t run rich/lean, no P0420 code or other CEL

see how the miles and performance goes

am running about 28 mpg before surgery (about 550 miles on a full tank)

hoping for another 250k miles ( now at 306k miles)

 

Almost 500 miles later and see Bank 1 readings: scroll up and see P0420 w readings on a fail.. lots of take aways