Upper Engine Cowl Removal Questions

[jlsl1081]

I'm thinking of removing the 2 upper engine cowls to paint them. Has anyone done this; and if so how much trouble is it removing them? It looks like they just unscrew & pull out. The passenger side cowl looks like it will pull right out without any problem or interference from the windshield wiper. However it looks like the driver's side cowl will have to lift over the driver's side windshield wiper. If so, do you only have to remove the wiper blade part where it clips onto the wiper arm? Or do you have to remove the whole wiper arm where it attaches into the cowl?

I checked PTDoItYourself.net, but I couldn't find any info on removing the driver's side cowl.

Thanks, John

[IRPT]

jls1081, the passenger side is very easy to remove, I have not removed the driver's side but it should be just as easy. You have to remove the passenger's side first in order to remove the driver's side, you must also remove the driver's side wiper arm.

Go here to see how to remove the passenger's side cowl: http://www.randgraphics.org/PT_Cruis..._filration.htm

To remove the wiper arm
1. Place the wiper arm/blades in the PARK position and turn ignition OFF.
2. Open hood.
3. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry up on the wiper arm nut cap and remove.
4. Remove wiper arm retaining nut.
5. Remove the arm from the pivot using a rocking motion while the arm is in an over/centered position.
6. Clean metal splinters OFF the pivot shafts.

Once the arm is removed, remove the screws holding the cowl on and then remove the cowl.

To re-install wiper arm
Replace cowl.
Before installation activate wiper system to ensure the wiper module is in the PARK position. Position wiper arms so that the tip of the driver's blade and the middle of the passenger's blade is on the park line on the windshield.

1. Place the arm on the pivot while the arm is in an over/centered position.
2. Install the wiper arm retaining nut and torque to 21 N-m or 190 in./lbs.
3. Install the wiper arm nut cap.
4. Close hood.
5. Verify system operation.
More info located here: http://www.ptdoityourself.net/pttechlib14.html#338

While you're at it you might as well install the cabin air filter.

[2 TONE PT]

IRPT's got it. I removed the drivers side cowl to install my Ahooga horn under the cowl where it's protected from the elements.

Steve

[jlsl1081]

Thanks IRPT. Thats what I'm looking for. However what does the "over/centered" position mean when uninstalling & installing the wiper arm?

[Hooligan]

Turn the wipers on, and when they are "centered" on your windshield, that's it.

[IRPT]

jlsl1081, Hooligan, the over/centered position is as illustrated in the pic below (from service manual).

[Hooligan]

quote:Originally posted by IRPT

jlsl1081, Hooligan, the over/centered position is as illustrated in the pic below (from service manual).

AHA!!!