I searched for the title, but couldn't find a thread to add some info to. I removed the intake plenum from a 1988 F150 - 5.0 today. I won't be responsible for my actions if I ever meet the engineering team member who thought it was a good idea to put the TORX head bolt in the middle of the inside the plenum. My hands are comparably the size of a catcher's mitt, so maneuvering the TORX 40 bit was not easy.

A standard TORX socket won't align straight, so I removed the bit from the socket and put it in a 5/16" deep well 1/4" drive socket. That was the first time. After picking the socket up with the bit inside to thread through the plenum gap, the bit fell out. After a full half hour search and resorting to my roll around magnet, I found the bit along with assorted drill shavings and a link out of an old watch band.The second time, I ran a coupla' turns of electrical tape around the bit/socket assembly on the end of a 9" extension. Thankfully, Ford didn't use Loc-Tite on that bolt.

I still like all 3 of my Ford trucks, but sometimes a brain cloud hovers over the design guys!

 

They make a long Torx bit for that.

 

Yes, I found one for $13.99 + shipping and a 1 week delivery. I should have done more homework on this engine rebuild.

Thanx

 

if you do find one of them engineer's, please post a quick thread! I'm sure all of us would like our turn when you start to tire out!

 

Here's how you can get it out without any special tools- get a long 1/4 drive extension, and a 6 point 1/4" socket on the end of it. Get a T40 torx drill bit, and put it into the 1/4 socket. The 1/4" socket is small enough that it will fit down inside the plenum. You may want to put some stick tack or a piece of tape between the pieces to keep the bit from falling out of the socket.

 

What 95fiveoh said. I had the same frustration, but, luckily, my motor was pulled and on the engine stand. It can be done with the 1/4" extension.