My recent adventures under the valve covers demonstrated to me how much easier "off-menu" tools can make the journey. I'm not talking home-made tools, I'm just talking about the kind of tools John/Jane Q. Fixer doesn't normally stock in a plastic toolbox.

I took a photo of a number of the not-as-usual tools I used for a cup/injector swap.

• Excursion owners can't easily get the passenger valve cover off without that 13mm flex socket, but I recommend it for pickup owners as well.
• You will see a blue 3/8" hand drive: Look closer, it serves dual purpose as a 3/8" extension.
• The old-school distributor wrench allows me to hammer down the #5 injector by way of extenders.
• The gun cleaning kits are for getting into those difficult places to clean... like the fuel rails and nozzle holes.
• I use that 1/4 hex extender for my cordless drill (and a 3/8" drive adaptor)... a lot. No really... a lot.
• The fuel line is for removing glow plugs after they're loose.

My Mity Vac gets used almost every time I work on the truck, so I strongly recommend owning a vacuum and gauge tool.

The star of the cup replacement show was the inspection camera.



Pulled cup



Clean surface for sealing new cup



Confirming cup is sealed


Here's the inside of my intercooler



Here's a lifter with only the VC removed



Here's my favorite: The piston through the nozzle hole.



Do you really need more convincing how useful this tool is?


Specs: You want...

• 9mm camera head (maximum)
• Wireless camera from display
• Ability to record stills and video on SD or Micro SD card
• Attachments. I have a 90-degree mirror that fits at the end of the camera, hook, and a magnet. The last two really help to retrieve items dropped in a bad spot.

I'm anxious to see what shortcuts others have discovered. Bring em' on!

 

Dang Rich: I wanted to rep you, but they say I have to spread it around.
Nice job, Jim

 

I think a lot of us have that problem. Good work Tugly. I am thankful I used to work on cars professionally, and have a serious collection of tools. I can't take those trick pictures though.

 

Jim, I got him for both of us. I always enjoy reading Rich's posts, even when he's having a bad day.
Rich, glad to see Stinky back on the road.
Now its my turn, just lost the right bank yesterday, hopefully just valve cover connections or gaskets.

 

you might have mentioned this in another post but which inspection camera do you have?

 

I thought this was a thread about bacon ...I love bacon!

 

well it sorta is...... many of those tools can be used for cooking bacon

 

Here's where a fellow member lost a right bank. It was the UVCH and the gasket. [LINK]

I found some really cool USB Endoscopes that cost less than 50 bucks, but the cable is not semi-rigid and you know what they say about pushing a rope. I have a Whistler, but my model has been discontinued. Here is one (IC-3409PX) with all the features I have... just look for a good price on this or one like it: [

LINK

LINK

]

Watch out for less-expensive models, some don't have all the attachments, have a smaller screen, and can't even record. I have found that recording feature to be a real bonus... and this is not my first inspection camera. This may be moot, but make sure it's color. My sealant was green and the coolant was red... the leak test is easier to confirm when capturing color in the cups.

 

Here's where a fellow member lost a
right bank. It was the UVCH and the
gasket. [LINK]

Thanks Rich. That is what I suspect is going on with mine, per AE. My exhaust temps were also reading high as I limped him home, probe in the left manifold also.
Great job you did for Kelly! And as always, I enjoyed reading your replies.

 

Rich,

That fuel line is a 5/16" semi-rigid plastic line right? What is the dohickey on the end of it?

 

subscribing................................

 

In my days of doing the Hutch mod, I was picking up all kinds of parts at the Irish parts store and Napa. That is fuel line and quick-disconnect to replace the OEM unit at the fuel pump intake. I have no quick-disconnects on my system now, but I found another use for the part.

 

Saving my bacon, nice!

Thanks for the follow up, you have been a lot of help. some time when I am cross the mountains I will come visit.

 

If I don't visit you first. I have an aunt there and my wife and I like that casino.

 

Have a big house with lots of extra bedrooms. Your always welcome

PS: I will get out my AE