Round 3

M

Meister

Registered
Well, this weekend began project time for the Mark.

This car has been wonderful to me, but today marked (no pun intended) the third time I have absolutely hated it.

The 1st time was when I replaced the o2 sensors, EGR valve, EGR tube, and DPFE sensor.

The second time was the oil filter adapter gasket

Today was the third time. I replaced the TPS and the IAC.

Took off the wiper cowling/motor, pulled the throttle body and changed the TPS which was a breeze.

Then came the IAC.

I was prepared as I had searched and saw how people had attempted it. I got it done in a couple hours. I used an 8mm open end on the bolt, and a deep 8mm socket on the stud. Each one I had to move about 1/8 of a turn at a time.

Getting the gasket on, both bolts threaded and tightened was an absolute nightmare.

But she is done. They were both original, so it was time.

While working I heard something hissing, couldn't figure out what it was, then realized the car was a lot lower than when I started. It slammed in my garage.

I have new airstruts from AAS, and new Ford strut rod bushings in my garage, and my shipment from rockauto (upper/lower control arms, tie rods, end-links, rotors/pads)arrived today as I was already planning on re-doing the front end, just figured I had a bit more time.

So, I didn't both starting her up, I just tore into the suspension.

Busy day.

I bought the 'wells' brand IAC from Autozone. It has a 2 year warranty, that I better not have to use.
 
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Haha, oh I don't feel cheated.

My SHO provided me with many 'character moments.'

Today was a similar day. The suspension on my Mark has never been touched and it was a bear getting everything to come apart.

I don't know how all you guys do it with rust in the mid-west and east coast. Mine has been a Cali car it's whole life, has no rust and still was a pain.

...but it will be nice to have a fresh front end.
 
Victory!

The new Ford TPS and 'Wells' IAC from Autozone got rid of my slight hesitation when the Mark was cold, and greatly smoothed out my idle. Always nice when things go well.
 
J said:
Glad to hear you're still wrenching! Any news on re-applying?
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...i'm always wrenching! I'm currently gathering parts to do a head gasket and clutch on my BMW, their is always a project!

Yea, I do plan on re-applying. I've been basically sulking for the past month or two....need to get off my butt and get my name in the hat. I'm certainly not looking forward to the PAT again......
 
Lol...the PAT was EASY (except the stupid run)! I was stressing about the QAP each time, which you'll find out about.

Quit sulking and get back on the horse...before you're too old. Have you been to the CHP forums? Good info on there if you ever can't reach me.
 
J said:
Lol...the PAT was EASY (except the stupid run)! I was stressing about the QAP each time, which you'll find out about.

Quit sulking and get back on the horse...before you're too old. Have you been to the CHP forums? Good info on there if you ever can't reach me.
Click to expand...

...well, i'm not worried about not passing the PAT, it was just a pain in the butt day. Obviously the QAP will be stressful too....did you apply more than once?
 
It was a pain in the butt. Umm...maaaaybe. :) It took me 3 QAP's to get through....4 tries total with the hiring freeze.
 
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