Accessing the van engine!

[JDM VANMAN]

I think he's referring to the bolt that's accessed from the wheel well to remove that front passenger seat, which is illustrated by llamavan in posting #2 picture 3. That's a strange place to put that bolt?

Hello everyone. I'm about to embark on the passenger's seat for the first time (1989 CRG Automatic). I have two concerns. From outside the Van looking at the rear of the passenger's seat, I have a flat stud instead of a hex bolt, so I'm not sure how I'm supposed to get that off??? I will figure that part out, but my question is, am I to unscrew the top of my automatic shifting lever? Does that really unscrew? Doesn't seem like it would. Thanks.

[Mfry]

Perfect description of the shifting console, and I'm ready to tackle it! Just realized as I was taking the picture of the rear seat bolt that it's simply the top end of the wheel well bolt, so I'm all clear there too. You guys are the best. Thanks.

[nattyvanman]

So when I was trying to take the last bolt off the stud in the wheel well I noticed that the bolt and the stud look real rusty. So what should I do to help loosen that rust so I don't break it?

[Mfry]

So when I was trying to take the last bolt off the stud in the wheel well I noticed that the bolt and the stud look real rusty. So what should I do to help loosen that rust so I don't break it?

Spray some PB Blaster on the nut/stud area. Let it soak in overnight. It should come off easily.

[nattyvanman]

Spray some PB Blaster on the nut/stud area. Let it soak in overnight. It should come off easily.

I'll give her a try later this evening! Thanks.

[BetsyBrown]

awesome post thanks!

AUTOMATIC Owners word of advice! No need to remove the top of lever, just the plastic casing around the shifter knob.

I removed it and am having a hell of a time getting it reset.

FYI

[Kombi]

See THIS Library Article for basic access to your van's engine.

Gwen

Thank you for the kindness of posting this. Great pics

I might suggest the loose juice of your choice the day before accompanied by gentile taps before dealing with 35 year old vans.

[Flounder]

I've replaced ignition coils, distributor caps, rotors, and all associated gaskets on 3 of my 4 vans without completely removing the passenger side engine cover. In every case it was easy enough to just push it to the side without disconnecting anything (all my vans are sticks). As a test I stuck a socket and ratchet in far enough to loosen the #4 spark plug; was able to easily reach it. I'm gearing up (no pun intended) for an engine swap on one of my 4WDs when I go home on vacation in May. Will probably have to pull the cover all the way off for that...

[SoORYotas]

And the right side passenger door from the few posts I have read