MFI Maestro's ?

JSDSKI · 02:51 PM

I need to replace the bushings on the throttle linkage lever that is next to the left side MFI stack behind the pump. Any tips from the pros and the experienced would be appreciated.
It's a 72 2.4 T.

Thanks.

jkeyzer · jkeyzer's Garage

The bushings are part 901-423-253-00 and available from
Pelican or the dealer. You'll need two. I have the bushings but haven't put them in yet.

JSDSKI · 06-22-2002, 01:43 PM

Thanks Jeff, I should have been more specific, I've got the bushings, I was looking for some tips on installation.
(Still hoping!)
I'm going to give it a shot on Sunday and I'll let you know
how it works out...

Ron,K · 06-22-2002, 01:46 PM

I looked at replacing mine several months ago, but postponed replacement because it looked like the MFI pump had to come off. Let us know if you can do it without removing the pump.

JSDSKI · 06-22-2002, 02:15 PM

Hey - wait a minute... I don't want to be the guinea pig!
I'll let you know ....

Bobboloo · Bobboloo's Garage

I assume your talking about the bushings on the pivot piece that connects the links between the stacks and the gas pedal.

It's a piece of cake. Just dissconnect the two links. Then remove the circlip and the pivoting piece just slides off the rod. Replace bushings and slide back on. Re-install circlip and links.

Bobby

JSDSKI · 06-22-2002, 04:33 PM

That's it exactly, thanks for the info - any tips on keeping the circlips from disappearing into the ether?

Early_S_Man · 06-22-2002, 07:25 PM

Telescoping parts-retrieval magnet held in close proximity while clip is pried/pulled off!

JSDSKI · 06-22-2002, 08:22 PM

Excellent idea - now, if I can only pry the magnet off the metal plate in my head....

Todd Simpson · 06-23-2002, 04:13 AM

I just replaced mine and found the MFI pump had to come off too. My solution was to cut the inner bearing in half. I then installed it in 2 pieces and slid the outer bearing on normally. Works well.

Todd

JSDSKI · 06-23-2002, 02:33 PM

Ok, Ron K, it can be done! I did it - replaced the throttle linkage pivot piece (bellcrank?) bushings without taking the MFI pump out. Took about an hour.

Todd, thanks for the tip about splitting the inner bushing - I couldn't get the pivot off either - it was too close to the left side of the pump- without your idea I would have been lost.

Bobby - you must have fingers of steel and arms like Spidermans - it was far from a piece of cake for me -- more like a full course meal!

Process ( if anyone's interested):

Took off air cleaner housing.
Put a mirror against the firewall
Hung a flourescent drop light above mirror
Pried off throttle linkages

Used some long (10") Craftsman needlenose pliers to grab and pull circlip off (this was really irritating - I tried a number of different ways to get the thing off but this was only thing that worked. I could never get my hand, a small screw driver, a dental pick, or anything in there and grab the damn thing.)

Discovered bracket couldn't slide off because MFI pump was too close. (It's my hobby!! It's an adventure!! Why am I so mad?)

How to install inner bushing? Remembered Todd's tip!!!
Used hack saw to cut one side of bushing - screwdriver wedged in cut split bushing in two! (take back everything I ever said about people from NJ)

Used bearing grease to hold inner bushing halves together during delicate installation and slid bracket over inner bushing.
Installed outer bushing ( a dab of moly grease to hold it on).
Put the outer washer back on
Spent an agonizing twenty minutes using needlenose pliers to push circlip home
Finally done.

If I drop the engine after Wayne's book comes out - I may consider cutting a small access panel in the firewall behind the rear seats. It sure would be easier to work on the back of the pump and pump belt that way...

Warren, you were right, I did use the magnet a number of times to pick up the washer and circlip....

Ron,K · 06-23-2002, 02:42 PM

Good Job!!! I thought there would be interference with the pump but Todd's idea is a neat "workaround" for installing these bushings. Don't you love it when things work as planned.

Ron

jkeyzer · jkeyzer's Garage

Taking the pump out is not as scary as it sounds. I have done it a couple times now. You get pretty good at it after the first try. It probably takes me about 30 minutes to get it out and an hour and a half to put it back in including getting the belt set up properly and timed right. I agree that you shouldn't take it out unless you need to, but it gives you a chance to clean the area and replace the pump belt. Watch out for oil going everywhere out the oil return of the pump.

JSDSKI · 06-23-2002, 05:16 PM

Jeff -
I have read that getting the left rear nut off is a bear - any tips on that?