Newb needs help with tools

[MHW100]

Hope I can get some help from you pros with a shopping list of tools and sizes I need to change the tstat, plugs, 3 bar and air box . I'm ordering the LMS tune and I'm not sure what exactly I need make these swaps. I'm an office worker and not mechanically inclined but I've watched some youtube videos that make me believe I can pull this off. The problem is the videos don't provide sizes and you can only see part of the tool e.g. torx screwdriver, ratchet but not socket size etc. Thank you in advance .

 

[StealBlueSho]

Hope I can get some help from you pros with a shopping list of tools and sizes I need to change the tstat, plugs, 3 bar and air box . I'm ordering the LMS tune and I'm not sure what exactly I need make these swaps. I'm an office worker and not mechanically inclined but I've watched some youtube videos that make me believe I can pull this off. The problem is the videos don't provide sizes and you can only see part of the tool e.g. torx screwdriver, ratchet but not socket size etc. Thank you in advance .

T15 torx bit, 8mm socket, and 10mm socket should be all you need.. a small extension for the socket might be helpful for the Tstat.


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[MHW100]

Thank you. Isn't there something special for the plugs?

 

[StealBlueSho]

Thank you. Isn't there something special for the plugs?

Sorry... didn’t see the plugs...

A feeler gauge to make sure the gap is correct. A spark plug socket, a few extensions of different lengths, dielectric grease, and anti seize.

Do you not have any socket sets?


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[MHW100]

Thanks again .I have a rudimentary socket set but it's not metric and I don't have any deep sockets for plugs . Is there a some special swivel extension to help with the back plugs?

 

[luigisho]

You can buy spark plug sockets with a swivel (aka u joint) in it, ujoint adapters all kinds of stuff. Any hardware or autoparts store sells these.

 

[MHW100]

I notice that to get to the back plugs you need to remove some hardware. Are there any tools/sizes to do that? It looks like a flat head screwdriver is all that is required but I'm not sure if some other sockets or wrenches are necessary .

 

[luigisho]

Chances are, if you want to work on a modern car, you need an assortment of metric sockets, screwdriver tipped or ratchet drive sockets (hex and/or star drive/torx bits) and various size flat and phillips tipped screwdrivers. Also various sized pliers and groove joint pliers to remove spring band style hose clamps. Working on cars will make your tool collection grow quickly if you don't own a variety of stuff. You have Harbor Freight up there? They have cheap stuff that isn't the best quality but can make do on a tight budget.

 

[MHW100]

Chances are, if you want to work on a modern car, you need an assortment of metric sockets, screwdriver tipped or ratchet drive sockets (hex and/or star drive/torx bits) and various size flat and phillips tipped screwdrivers. Also various sized pliers and groove joint pliers to remove spring band style hose clamps. Working on cars will make your tool collection grow quickly if you don't own a variety of stuff. You have Harbor Freight up there? They have cheap stuff that isn't the best quality but can make do on a tight budget.

Great information thank you . No we don't have Harbour Freight but we do have a multitude of tool suppliers on the cheap . The reality is once I get the CAI, 3 bar, plugs and tstat in that will be the extent of my competence and I'll leave it to warranty to handle the rest of it along with regular dealer maintenance . That is why I was looking for the core tools to do this job and return it to stock before dealer visits .

 

[StealBlueSho]

I notice that to get to the back plugs you need to remove some hardware. Are there any tools/sizes to do that? It looks like a flat head screwdriver is all that is required but I'm not sure if some other sockets or wrenches are necessary .

I don’t remove anything additional.

-Spark plug socket (has a rubber boot inside to protect the plug)

-Various length extensions.. 6inch and 3inch usually work.

-8mm socket for the coil bolts

-a small flat head screw driver to unlock the red tabs on the coil connectors

-10mm socket for the intake bolts

-t15 for the 3BAR

-new coil boots from the dealer, 6 of them. They are about $3 a piece.

-dielectric grease for the plugs

-anti-seize for the plugs

Now that’s assuming everything goes well.. if the boots stick to the old plugs then you are going to need an assortment of needle nose plies to get them out... plus a can of air to blow out the spark plug holes(leave the spark plug in when you clean it like that).




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[SHOdded]

Wealth of info from Luigi and SBS ^^^

Plus the HOWTO tool. LOL.
https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,1980
https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,2280.0.html

 

[krewat]

I fear that once you start using those tools, you may actually enjoy it and start doing other things yourself as well

Get complete sets of sockets and ratchets if your budget allows. They don't go bad like vegetables or fruit, and you'll have them a lifetime.

 

[MHW100]

Good gosh thanks so much for all of the help from everyone. My confidence has increased from your help but must admit the problem the guy had with the 160 tstat in the posted thread was a bit concerning . Trusting the boots come off easily with on 10k on the car and I won't lose control of the process in my driveway.

 

[Christian]

Go to your local Canadian Tire on the island. They have spark plug socket sets cheap, but good quality (Mastercraft). The ratchet has a swivel head as well as having a bend in it to better access hard to reach plugs. The set also has extensions. If you have a KMS Tools near you in Nanaimo or Duncan, they have great prices and sales all the time as well.

On another note, if you ever come to the mainland, let me know. I'd love to see your ride.

 

[luigisho]

Trusting the boots come off easily with on 10k on the car and I won't lose control of the process in my driveway.

Relax. You worry too much. You can do this. SHO's have been producing shadetree mechanics from idiots for decades. Don't be afraid.

If something goes terribly wrong, you would have had to pay someone anyway. The cost of a few tools and a potential slipup is a an actual cost of education that won't bury you. Plus you will get comfortable and more confident along the way and pay dividends for a lifetime. Get your hands dirty, cuss and scream, take a break and get back to it. You got this.

On a tactical point. You have access to more than one vehicle? At the home or someone close by? Always helps.

 

[MHW100]

Relax. You worry too much. You can do this. SHO's have been producing shadetree mechanics from idiots for decades. Don't be afraid.

If something goes terribly wrong, you would have had to pay someone anyway. The cost of a few tools and a potential slipup is a an actual cost of education that won't bury you. Plus you will get comfortable and more confident along the way and pay dividends for a lifetime. Get your hands dirty, cuss and scream, take a break and get back to it. You got this.

On a tactical point. You have access to more than one vehicle? At the home or someone close by? Always helps.

CPA training to over analyze lol. Yes have backup if need be. Thanks for the encouragement .

 

[luigisho]

CPA training to over analyze lol.

That explains a lot!
Jump in and enjoy the mechanical process of actually a beginning and end of a project you can look at.

 

[MHW100]

I'm looking forward to it!!!

 

[76FoMoCo]

youtube how to undo the wire connections to the coils. ALSO a good twist and pull up at the same time will help you to NOT mess up the plug boots. the big trick to the plugs in the back is to have the correct size adapter to the plug socket drop it in and then put the ratchet into it. once the plug is un threaded separate the ratchet from the adapter and pull it up and out.

 

[luigisho]

Last piece of advice for stuff to have. A cheap fender cover. You flop it over the front quarters so when you go under the hood from the side you don't scratch up your paint with belt buckles, jean buttons, jacket zippers etc