Air Cleaner Problem

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Jun 17, 2003 | 07:46 PM

tenorsaxman

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Air Cleaner Problem

Has anyone had a similar experience?? I have 2 Fords, a 92' Explorer Sport and a '95 Aerostar..Both have 4.0L V6. The problem is in the air cleaner box. There are screws that hold the cover down onto the box with threaded inserts in the bottom of the box. These now turn when attempting to loosen the screws to service the air cleaner. Any tips on how to get these inserts to stay in place? I have taken the Aerostar in for service before and the mechanic says he can't get the cover off..HOGWASH!! I took the snorkel off and held the inserts with channel locks while turning the screws..After discovering that the airbox wasn't completely sealed (it ruined the filter), I had it out with the mechanic and proved him wrong. Like I was asking above, is there anyone out there with the similar problem? I'm considering using epoxy to hold the inserts in the airbox holes.

Jun 17, 2003 | 08:58 PM

JL_Aero

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Joined: May 2003

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Air Cleaner Problem

I took off the back extenders, threw away the screws and used plastic pull-ties to clamp them down. Holds them tight forever. Cut them off when you need to get in.

A package of 100, large ties is about $ 5.00 at home depot and come in white or black. Seals much better than screws.

John

Jun 19, 2003 | 05:07 PM

aerostarman2002

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 129

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From: South Carolina

Air Cleaner Problem

I just put new nuts on it and used a small box end wrench to hold them while I use a screwdriver to get the screws out. holds it in tight enough.

I had a mechanic break the one remaing plastic tab on the front of my air cleaner lid, and just left it like that for me to drive around and ruin my engine... as soon as I got home I checked under the hood and found that, and I was steaming mad... all he did to fix it was bolt an "L" bracket on the front of the lid... the only reason I didn't push the issue and make him replace the air cleaner is that the metal "L" bracket will last a lot longer and hold it down tighter than the plastic ever would....

Jun 20, 2003 | 06:01 PM

tenorsaxman

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Air Cleaner Problem

I got it fixed yeasterday...It finally stopped raining here long enough!! I used 2-part epoxy and bonded the inserts back in the holes they came out of. After letting it dry overnight, I disassembled the MAF sensor and gave it a good cleaning with brake solvent spray. I reassembled it all togehter and took it for a test run...Runs like a champ now!!!