Air filter cannot be changed...Screw issues...

[ElBow513]

So I am not the most car savvy person but I have taken pretty good care of my 1993 Ford Explorer Sport and get my oil changed every 3000 miles (I get it done for free as part of the deal when I bought the car, thats why I don't do it myself). However last time I went they said they could not check my air filter because the screw was messed up that holds the cover down. Apparently there is some bolt on the underside of the screw that fits into the plastic molding but I guess it is just spinning with the screw right now and without tension, no screw removal and no air filter check... Any ideas? Do I just bust it open? If so is that a cheap easy fix to replace?

Thanks!

-ElBow513

 

[FIND]

use a screwdriver to kinda pry on the lid. That should put enough pressure on to pull that nut up so it won't spin while you are taking it out. Keep the pressure on while you are taking it off. Then when you go to reinstall, you can either epoxy it back in, or use a longer bolt with a nut you can reach with a wrench.

 

[something9000]

if you dont break the round piece of the plastic the bolt goes in a small zip tie works pretty well too and their cheap and easy to get off the next time you need to replace the filter

 

[ElBow513]

Got it with some brute strength and a pair of pliers... Thanks for the tips!

 

[SwaintaN]

dremmel, dremmel the top head off, let bottom fall then replace with longer bolt and wing nut