Engine cover removal difficulty
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New User
Joined: Apr 2013
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Engine cover removal difficulty
Hi,
I'm trying to replace the spark plugs on my 1999 E150, but have trouble getting the engine cover "dog house" off. It is obstructed by the kick panels on both sides. These are connected to the sheet metal support brackets with snap-type plastic inserts. I would like to know how to safely remove these panels without damaging these inserts and what type of specialty tool I need.
Thanks for your help,
Gerry
I'm trying to replace the spark plugs on my 1999 E150, but have trouble getting the engine cover "dog house" off. It is obstructed by the kick panels on both sides. These are connected to the sheet metal support brackets with snap-type plastic inserts. I would like to know how to safely remove these panels without damaging these inserts and what type of specialty tool I need.
Thanks for your help,
Gerry
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
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i've never had trouble getting the doghouse off around the front plastic stuff. with the latches undone, you should be able to slide the doghouse straight to the rear, and then lift it out around the seats.
maybe you have some kind of custom interior thats making things difficult?
maybe you have some kind of custom interior thats making things difficult?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,414
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From: Thornhill , Ontario
No special tools...First you grab the "clamshell" shaped grips on either side at the bottom of the Doghouse and flip the upwards and unscrew them untill the hooks release at the bottom ...lift them up THEN you unclip the top ones on either side and Wiggle the doghouse out...For me pulling the ashtray out a little helps me ..along with removing the Doghouse from the Van from the Passenger side...I hope this helps....
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New User
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Thanks Josh and Blag for the feedback. I have been able to get the doghouse out on previous vans, but on this one it is necessary to first remove the little plastic kick panels on both sides. These are connected to the sheet metal support brackets with snap-type plastic inserts. I would like to know how to safely remove these panels without damaging these inserts and what type of specialty tool I need.
Thanks for your help,
Gerry
Thanks for your help,
Gerry
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 1
i haven't seen the panels you're dealing with there, but most panels that don't have screws just kindof pop out. you should be able to feel the direction it wants to move then you wiggle it.
having not dealt with the panels in question, i can't be of any more specific help
having not dealt with the panels in question, i can't be of any more specific help
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Would these be the panels just below the dash, same color as the dash, right above the space for your feet?
If so those don't need to be removed, simply tug the doghouse backward, tilting slightly forward by grabbing the bottom back and wiggling it free.
If you want to remove the lower trim panels just give them a tug too. Pull out gently on one end, look for a spring pin that is plastic, probably 1.25" long, located several places. Apply a bit of outward pressure to these and the panel should pull free. Keep in mind the edges where they meet the door are under the inner door seal and should be reinstalled just as they come out.
I removed both of those for another project and honestly they serve no function to me so they're never been put back. Also removed the metal structures to which they attach, just what worked for me. Most times I'd recommend either not removing them or replacing them when the project is finished.
If so those don't need to be removed, simply tug the doghouse backward, tilting slightly forward by grabbing the bottom back and wiggling it free.
If you want to remove the lower trim panels just give them a tug too. Pull out gently on one end, look for a spring pin that is plastic, probably 1.25" long, located several places. Apply a bit of outward pressure to these and the panel should pull free. Keep in mind the edges where they meet the door are under the inner door seal and should be reinstalled just as they come out.
I removed both of those for another project and honestly they serve no function to me so they're never been put back. Also removed the metal structures to which they attach, just what worked for me. Most times I'd recommend either not removing them or replacing them when the project is finished.
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Dog house removal
Hi,
I'm trying to replace the spark plugs on my 1999 E150, but have trouble getting the engine cover "dog house" off. It is obstructed by the kick panels on both sides. These are connected to the sheet metal support brackets with snap-type plastic inserts. I would like to know how to safely remove these panels without damaging these inserts and what type of specialty tool I need.
Thanks for your help,
Gerry
I'm trying to replace the spark plugs on my 1999 E150, but have trouble getting the engine cover "dog house" off. It is obstructed by the kick panels on both sides. These are connected to the sheet metal support brackets with snap-type plastic inserts. I would like to know how to safely remove these panels without damaging these inserts and what type of specialty tool I need.
Thanks for your help,
Gerry
I too need to change the spark plugs, and, boy! - I guess after I remove the layers of hoses, along with the fuel rail assembly, it may not be too impossible. Maybe we could help each other invent new cuss words!
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oh come on boys, its not really that bad. its a lot easier on a van than just about any other ford with the same engine. i think the newest one i've worked on is an 03, but it should be about the same. remove front seats and doghouse, unplug COPs, using 7mm socket with extensions and wobblies, remove COP mounting screws, slide COPs up and out, and you're looking at the plugs. thats all there really is to it.
you boys are talking like its gonna be a 3 day job from hell, its really not. the front couple of cyliners are easier reached from the front, the rest from the rear.
you boys are talking like its gonna be a 3 day job from hell, its really not. the front couple of cyliners are easier reached from the front, the rest from the rear.
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