Access Panel Bolts To Vacuum Modulator

[AlsExplord]

I read the threads about the 'disappearing' ATF. Followed the excellent instructions. Bought my vacuum modulator, removed the 2 bucket seats and console, peeled back the carpet and there it was; the shiny access plate on the hump. Thing is, they just turn and turn. I shot wd40 on 3 of the 4 from underneath(couldn't find the 4th), and still nothing. Anyone have any ideas? I'm tired of buying quarts of ATF...

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! One trick is to put a screwdriver tip under the head of the stripped bolts as you are removing them. This will put a little lifting pressure on them as you are turning.

 

[AlsExplord]

Thanks BrooklynBay. I'm a Brooklynite by proxy...been workin' there for 16 years! Anyhow, I'll try that first thing in the am...I noticed underneath what looks like a clip that the bolt goes through...will they fall out? I had someone ratchet the bolt while I was underneath and managed to see them turn.

 

[BrooklynBay]

That clip is snapped onto the lip of the sheet metal. It is called a speed clip in the red Help packages by Motormite. The technical term for it is a Tinnerman fastener.

 

[AlsExplord]

I guess I'll have to take a ride to get a few fasteners then, seeing as they are turning in place. Thanks for your help! Can't wait to get it done...maybe I'll post some pics.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's possible that the old fasteners are still good. The bolts could be bad.

 

[AlsExplord]

Can't seem to get the tip of a screwdriver underneath the head of the bolt. Any suggestions?!?!?!?!?!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Try using a fine screwdriver, or a chisel which has a tapered tip. Start with applying pressure at the point between the head of the bolt, and the sheet metal base. Another method is to grab the head of the bolt with a vice grip, and pull upward as you turn it counterclockwise.

 

[AlsExplord]

I finally got the panel off. WTF?!?! Is it me? I do not see the friggin modulator!..any pics to point exactly where to look? The other threads say passenger side heat sheild, 10mm. I am lost; do not see it. I can't win for losin'! HELP!

 

[AlsExplord]

Found it! Found pics you shared with someone...that helped....it's a pain gettin' this old one out...i'm twistin and turnin...still tryin' to get it out..i'm takin pics...keep u posted when done.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Those pictures weren't mine. They were from Glacier991's photo gallery. Some guys here have gotten frustrated, and cut a larger hole in the floor! I would not recommend that. It would be hard to patch up.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Be careful not to lose the pin in the modulator when you remove it. There are at least 3 types of modulators, so make sure you get the correct one. They use different hardware in front of it which goes into the transmission.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here's a picture from Glacier991's photo gallery describing what I was talking about:

 

[AlsExplord]

Done!

WOW!!!WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! I finally finished! My original problem was two-fold: I had to drop the fuel tank because it was leaking really bad, and I also had to replace the vacuum modulator because my '94 Exp was drinking about a quart of ATF almost every week.

So, following the threads I found here helped me tremendously with both tasks. I found better info and tips here than with my friggin' Chilton's.

Anyhow, after removing the modulator, here's what I did:

- Stuck a hose on the end of the vacuum line
- Started the truck
- Got the rpms up to 1500-2000
- Stuck the other end of the hose in a 16 oz bottle of tap water
- Let the vacuum suck up the water while maintaining the rpms

A bunch of black gunk came out of the tailpipe. I then reinstalled the new vacuum modulator($17.99 at AutoZone) with the pin being held by a dab of vaseline(just like I read in one of these threads), and put the carpet, center console and seats back.
I then replaced the plugs, topped off the ATF, and away I went.

After a test drive, I noticed the gears change a lot smoother, and my gas gauge works now! I was so thrilled, I washed and waxed her!

Thanks for all your help...this site rocks! :exp:

 

[BrooklynBay]

Which modulator did you install? Was it like the top, or bottom picture in post # 13? Some people like to use Seafoam to flush out the ATF from vacuum lines.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you have to replace those bolts, and Tinnerman retainers? Maybe you could do a photo thread of the work you just performed?

 

[AlsExplord]

The modulator I had was like the bottom pic. I used water only because I was too lazy to go back to the store! I learned that 'cleaning' technique on another forum when I owned a Plymouth Laser. The quick and easy way to clean out the intake and combustion chamber was with water and to really do it, they suggested a can of Mopar Combustion Chamber Cleaner you get from the Chrysler dealers.

I did have to replace the fasteners and I actually was looking for my firewire cord to upload the pics I took. Soon as I find it, they will be posted.

 

[BrooklynBay]

By the way, which method worked for you in removing the bolts?

 

[AlsExplord]

I was able to get one bolt off by pulling up on it with a visegrip, and actually had to bend up that side, slide my hand underneath with a thick pair of gloves on, and hold the fastener in place while I ratcheted the bolt. The Tinnerman retainer was so rusted that they split in half leaving the bottom half spinning while I was trying to back off the bolt. It was a real pain in the @$$ because it was soooo rusted. Next time I would let the spray work it's magic for a much longer time before trying to back off the bolt.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here's something that you should find interesting: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165567