PCV R&R - Losing the battle to the dreaded hidden Intake bolt Topic is solved

[GlennG2759]

Good to hear everything worked out and was waiting to see if you posted. I suspect your ext./welded socket didn't do the job. I've decided to remove the t stat housing also and am considering replacing the whole housing because everything in one piece ( housing, sensor, tstat). I'm at 100k. Is the long torx bit absolutely necessary? I was wondering about the coolant lines and dreaded banjo bolt, glad to hear I want have to deal with them. Sounds like a lot less plumbing than ihe 850 I am used to. I'll be starting mine this week. Thanks for the very useful info. Glenn

[a3inverter]

In my case, the long torx was necessary as all the torx sockets I had of that size were 1/2" drive and too short - no way they were going to clear. Completely worth the $7 I spent on that long torx. The left bolt that holds the PCV box to the block is also challenging to get to...definitely need a 10mm 1/4" drive with extension and wobble on that one.

[mrbrian200]

I've decided to remove the t stat housing also and am considering replacing the whole housing because everything in one piece ( housing, sensor, tstat).

On my second attempt I've come to that conclusion as well. The little 1/4" drive 10mm socket with a built in ball joint mentioned earlier doesn't get in there on my '06. The protrusion off the bottom of the thermostat housing that interferes with tools extends further back on the housing than pictures of other thermostat housings for these vehicles that I've seen (likely older). I even moved the power steering pump to get better access. It's just not gonna happen without removing the thermostat housing.

The T40 I have on hand is 3/8" drive (too fat, interference). So I guess there will be a third attempt at this again someday. I was so sure I was gonna get it this time. LOL.

[GlennG2759]

I ordered the x-long 3/8 drive T40 socket a3inverter suggested earlier in this subject post, it's supposed to arrive tomorrow. Have you seen it, he posted an amazon link to it. Yeah PS and T-STAT housing is coming out. Hopefully I start sometime this weekend, just want to make sure I have all my bases covered as far as tools. I'll post how I make out.

[mrbrian200]

Moving the power steering pump out of the way is not a big deal on these - maybe 5 minutes. Easier to unbolt/move it rather than trying to access the bolts in question with it in the way.