98 Astro Engine Access

[pint4]

I have a problem with my A/C only blowing through my defroster vents. I understand its a vacuum problem. How do I remove the inside cover so I can access the engine compartment from inside the car. From the outside, I can barely see the vacuum hoses which may be bad. Is there any special techniques to getting the cover off without damaging anything?
Thanks.
Bob
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[Kings-x59]

On my '89 the procedure goes like this:
remove two bolts and two flange nuts and remove the glove box from the engine cover. unhook the two latches at the bottom of the engine cover
Pop the hood and back out the two captive screws that are near the top of the firewall. I use a large screw driver, but I hear the tire tool works as well.
Get back inside and wrestle the "turtle" out from under the dash. Mine happens to be a tight fit. I have to turn it a bit and lean it just so to clear everything, but it does come out. Once you've done it a time or two, it's no problem.

[Kings-x59]

I have an '89 so your interior arrangement is probably a little different, but here's how it goes -
unbolt the glove box from the engine cover, mine has two nuts and two bolts.
unclip the two toggles at the bottom of the engine cover.
open the hood, on the left and right near the top of the engine cover / firewall gasket are two bolts.
These are captive bolts, back them out. A large and long screw driver works well. If I had a swivel socket extension I'd use that (but I don't ..so I don't). Get back inside and wrestle the turtle out. Go slow so you don't bang the dash. After a few tries you'll figure out how to twist and turn it just right so it comes free.

[pint4]

My interior is different than a 1989. I have owned 1994 and 1995' Astros and this 98 is different from those vans. Any 98 owners out there whohave taken the doghouse cover off inside the van. My CD player also looks like it is in the way.
Yikes!! What a project and I really miss my A/C.
Thanks.
Bob

[brcidd]

To fix the vacuum- you don't take off the doghouse- you go under hood- take out air intake snorkel- then find and fix black vacuum line in front of TBI unit- where it runs over to the intake manifold.........

[Kings-x59]

wow no takers, surely someone out there in astro land has a '98 or close to it that could chime in.

(I didn't think anything could get worse than my '89, it's PITA every time I need to "get under the hood", which is often)

[Deeked]

Originally Posted by Kings-x59

wow no takers, surely someone out there in astro land has a '98 or close to it that could chime in.

(I didn't think anything could get worse than my '89, it's PITA every time I need to "get under the hood", which is often)

I found my leak last month right under the hood near the condensor. Just listen for the hiss.

Good luck

[pint4]

Would anyone have a digital photo showing where the vacuum hose is located. I looked under the hood and saw hoses everywhere. A photo is worth a thousand words.
Thanks.

Bob

[Deeked]

Here's a pic 4 ya. Hope it helps.

I found the hole in my line within 6 inches of where I'm pointing the arrow.

EDIT: Click on the gallery link at the bottom of my post.

[rhinelanderfinn]

If you are still looking for pics on how to access the engine from inside I have a whole set that will show all of the steps. Click on Gallery.