Can't get the plenum off on my car.

[J.B.]

I'm following this guide to change my spark plugs.

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/show...pful-picture-guide&highlight=spark+plug+guide

I've removed the 5 bolts on the front and 2 at the rear. I was expecting the plenum to pop off but it is completely jammed on to the point where I can rock the entire engine by pulling on it.

I've looked right around it and there are no bolts holding it down that I can see. Is there any chance the 172 Cup has another bolt somewhere maybe? How much should I whack and pull on it before giving up? I don't want to damage it.

 

[Joe#]

I assume you've taken the coil pack mount off too?

 

[J.B.]

The coil pack itself is out (2 of those bolts secure through the plenum in to the engine) and the coil pack mount is attached to the plenum. The other bolts in that area seem to secure the rocker cover to the block. Looking at the photos of the underside of a plenum it really looks like I've taken out all the bolts. I have zero movement anywhere, it's like its still bolted in :/

 

[Joe#]

Strange :S Fuel rail guard still on?

 

[J.B.]

Fuel rail guard is on but it doesn't need to come off does it? It's entirely separate.

 

[J.B.]

I'm beginning to think the previous owner has done something very silly and sealed the gasket in with something.

 

[Dan519]

The coil pack itself is out (2 of those bolts secure through the plenum in to the engine) and the coil pack mount is attached to the plenum. The other bolts in that area seem to secure the rocker cover to the block. Looking at the photos of the underside of a plenum it really looks like I've taken out all the bolts. I have zero movement anywhere, it's like its still bolted in :/

coil pack had nothing to do with securing the plunum to the engine. I think you've missed the 2 bolts at either side at the rear of the plenum

 

[J.B.]

No I've done them. One sec, I will take a photo.

 

[J.B.]

 

[jenic]

This is pikey, but whack a flat bladed screwdriver under the front of the plenum, then prise it off. Bet it's just a bit stuck on the locating pin at the front.

 

[J.B.]

Pretty much the next stage unless someone tells me I'm being a doughnut and one of those bolts needs to come out.

 

[biojo]

is you air box pipe disconnected? should still lift up if all other bolts are off whats the front section look like?

 

[J.B.]

Yeah the airbox elbow is disconnected with the throttle body still on. Nothing is stopping it from moving but I have absolutely no movement from anywhere on it. It really is like its still bolted in all over.

The front section around the gasket is quite corroded which I think is holding it down. I WD40 around the front of the manifold and on the locating pin before I ate lunch. About to go out and try again.

 

[J.B.]

Well that was a mission.

Why the f**k has this thing got a locating pin?!?! 7 bolts are enough surely? It was the locating pin, the WD40 loosened things up and then I had to with the pikey method and whack a flathead screw driver into it.

f**king Renault. Would love to have a chat with the person who decided that was a good idea.

 

[DrR]

Find things so random sometimes on CS, because i remember doing the plugs on my 172 and being shocked how easy it all come off lol.

 

[J.B.]

Find things so random sometimes on CS, because i remember doing the plugs on my 172 and being shocked how easy it all come off lol.

It was so easy, apart from budging that little locator. The tolerance on that is far too tight.

 

[mitch1503]

i drilled the lil b*****d out on mine as no matter how much wacking,yanking etc the sod still wudn't come off so shouldn't have any more problems from it

 

[jenic]

What's my prize?

 

[J.B.]

i drilled the lil b*****d out on mine as no matter how much wacking,yanking etc the sod still wudn't come off so shouldn't have any more problems from it

Ha nice! If I had a power drill I would have probably done that, but I couldn't even tell it was the locator causing the problem at first. I'm slowly building my own tool collection after moving out 5 years ago, and a big power drill isn't something I have just yet. Probably should get one...

What's my prize?

Well it needed WD40 first to loosen up the whole front, then I smashed it with a small log because a rubber hammer is also something I don't have. Then it was plainly obvious that it was the locator, so you half won

Happy to say that it started straight away, idled a bit fast for a few minutes but settled, and now runs well. I thought new plugs might settle the idle a bit and stop rumbling the car, but no

 

[mitch1503]

Ha nice! If I had a power drill I would have probably done that, but I couldn't even tell it was the locator causing the problem at first. I'm slowly building my own tool collection after moving out 5 years ago, and a big power drill isn't something I have just yet. Probably should get one.

I just used my cordless drill i use for work lol

 

[Dan519]

pry bar would have lifted it off with a bit of a wiggle. Dowel is to get the ports lined up, fairly important

 

[mitch1503]

pry bar would have lifted it off with a bit of a wiggle. Dowel is to get the ports lined up, fairly important

still got 1 half of it left lol.. will drop MAP sensor off monday after college

 

[Dan519]

Shocks should be in then for you too

 

[mitch1503]

Shocks should be in then for you too

no worries.. best get the rubber seal off you if its in so i can have screen wash lol