90 Civic EX update.... new OEM wires, plugs, thermostat, rad cap & flush,

All is well, noticeable increase in low-rpm 1st gear power, not sure
about mileage yet, but promising...

Only problem: My rad fan still isn't working because I can't get the
*&$!damned boot off of the thermo-switch under the intake manifold. I
can only get one hand in there, and the boot is so old it's as stiff as
a board and I just can't pull the thing off. Won't twist, no room for a
screwdriver to wedge it off, in a fit of rage I was tempted to cut the
ever-blessed thing off with a carpet knife, but not sure if I can get
another one so discretion won out. I know for sure I'm getting this new
$50 switch in one way or another because it's special order and I can't
return it. Plus, a few times this summer it would have helped to have
that fan running.

Is the boot really necessary?

Will try the dealer tomorrow about a replacement boot. Anyone had this
problem or have any ideas? There really isn't a place on the engine
where this switch would be *harder* to get to... :^P

-Bruce

 

My hands are too large to fit in most tight places too so found long needle
nose pliers to be my close friends..
I particularly like the ones that have a slight bend in them so you can
wiggle stuff if you have to.

Hope you get it off soon.
Remco