Alright, now I have a decision to make and I need your input please. Since I had easy access to the left side return tubes I went ahead a began to remove one of them. Even compressed with the circlip removed I am unable to get it out.
It's a physical size problem. Between the thermal reactor being in the way and some metal tube that runs through that area there is no physical way to remove the return tube. It will not fit no matter the angle or direction. I could crush it but I'll have the same issue with installing the new one.
Either the metal tubing needs to be removed or the dreaded TR. I'm leaning toward the metal tubing. I've posted pics...could someone tell me what that tubing is for? Looks to be an injection system? More smog plumbing? Any issue with removing it. It connects to the engine in 3 places on each side then up to the upper engine bay via a cloth/braided hose. I can loosen it and drop it down out of the way I think.
First pic: Metal piping as it attaches to braided hose and goes up to upper engine bay.
Second pic: Left side TR, metal piping and Oil Return Tubes (one is loose as I began removal)
Third pic: Right side metal tubes, EGR and TR. Showing access difficult without removing atleast EGR and most likely the metal tubing.
I'm leaning toward the metal piping and not the TR. Gave up for the night....I'm gonna sleep on it and wait to see if anyone has any other ideas.
Maybe spend some time with wife.com tonight to score some brownie points for more nights in the garage later this week.
