1988 Astro, How do I take off Inside Engine Cover?

[billyde]

Hi, I just bought a 1988 Astro Cargo Van, How do I take off the inside
cover so I can get at the engine?

Thank you
Billy

[tableman]

It is kind of hard to describe, but I will try.
1st you take of your inner console, you might have a coffee cup holder and glove box on it. this is done by 2 screws at the top left and right side. Then if you pull the carpet back at the bottom you will see 2 nuts, you will need a rachet with an extension to get these. Once you have these off pull the console back, unplug any wire harness that might be there.
2nd Now there maybe a heating duct that runs the heat to the floor in front of the engine cover, remove duct by pulling and wiggling it out of position.

3rd the engine cover is held on by 2 bolts at the top where it attaches to the fire wall, you will need at least 10inches worth of extensions to reach these bolts. These bolts are captive so they stay in place when loosed off.

4th there are 2 clamps that hold the engine cover at the bottom, between the two front seats, that are held in place by 2 nuts, remove these clamps and engine cover is free. Make sure both seats are slid back as far as they go, then slide the engine cover back and swing it to the drivers side twilt back and hold your tongue the right way and the engine covers come out.

Hope this helps good luck

[billyde]

Thank you very much, I did not want to "break" anything.....

Billy

[billyde]

Hi Tableman...I took off the Cup Holder etc. but I could not find the 2 bolts at the top where it attaches to the fire wall...Are they On The Top?
More on the Sides (Like 9 o'clock & 3 o'clock)?

Thank you
Billy

[CD Smalley]

More like 10 and 2. They are bolts but also have a grove in them. So you can use a large screwdriver if needed. They are hard to find. A flashlight will help as they are pretty hidden.

[tableman]

They are at the top corners of the dog house, just follow the edge of the dog house up from the bottom where you can see, and just as the dog starts to go horizontal aroung a curve, thats where the bolts are, but not right on the edge, on a flat face of the dog house.

[billyde]

Thank you Both ! ! ! !
I will give it a go this weekend.....

Billy