Tackling vacuum modulator tomorrow

[colecifer]

Tomorrow a friend of mine is headed over to help me replace the vacuum modulator. I have the part and was wondering if there is anything else I should pick up? One of the how to threads suggested 6-8 inches of vacuum hose, but I was a little confused because that wouldn't be long enough to reach the vacuum tree, so is there some sort of coupler?

Any random tips before I get started?

 

[Mic_]

random tip2:
#1 Don't run out of beer, especially with a buddy over.
#2 decide if your going in from above or from below.
#3 watch out for the pin

 

[BP_93explorer]

I just did that a few weeks ago. I didn't need anything else. Well, I did need some trans fluid. Like he said, watch out for that pin, it flew out when I pulled the modulator off. I did it from above and cut the hell out of my hands. I was using gloves but I couldn't feel what I was doing with them on so I took them off.

 

[glfredrick]

The modulator uses a steel line that runs from the back of the motor (the T) down to the vicinity of the modulator, where it is connected with a short piece of vacuum hose. I would definitely replace the hose as it runs right next to the cats and it is probably not in good shape.

You might have to pull the cats and/or the heat shield in order to get at the modulator. Be prepared with new bolts for the cat flanges (probably have to saw or torch them off).

Make sure you replace the heat shield.

 

[colecifer]

We're going from the top, I saw I need to grease the pin what kind of grease would be good for this?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Vaseline could be used to hold the pin while reinstalling everything. Make sure that the spool in front of it is not binding.

 

[colecifer]

Thought I'd report back.

For anyone that hasn't done this job it sucks. Everyone mentions there is very little room to work with, but until you actually try it you don't realize just how cramped it is. It took me forever to get everything put back into place.

My buddy ended up not coming over so I did it all alone which was fine but it took me longer. I'm glad I was able to do it myself I have no idea how much it would have cost to have a shop do it, but it was definitely a lot of work. Glad I won't have to do it again for a while.

 

[BP_93explorer]

I was the opposite way. Took hours to get it out but less than one hour to put it back.

 

[quicklook2]

great job.

did it shift better?

 

[colecifer]

great job.

did it shift better?

Not sure yet, I haven't driven too far on it yet. I need to get some gas first. She is definitely idling smoother. Thats what tipped me off in the first place the idle was real loud and rough.