Air Filter Box Screw Keeps Turning

[Heyspike]

Hello all,
Brand new here, and already found out some great info. Thanks.
I just purchased my first Vette an 86 convertible. I am in the process of doing some routine maintenance and came a cross a problem with the thumb nuts holding the air box on. One of the nuts keeps spinning and spinning. Any Ideas? Also does anyone recommend a particular brand of air intake system or should I keep mine stock?
Thanks Again.

 

[c4ever]

Nice car:cool You can purchase replacement bolts at Ecklers. I would opt for an open box with k&N filter. An inexpensive improvement and well worth it. Ecklers along with other suppliers carries them.
Good Luck.
Carlo

 

[tkrphxr]

I agree the K&N air filter is the way to go. I put one in my 2000 Silverado and the Vette and had good results with both. BTW nice car good luck with it. Charlie

 

[Ken]

Spike, that is a common occurence. It will take a little time and patience, but you will eventually be able to remove the screws if you use a wedge of sorts to apply pressure to the air box as you turn the thumbscrew counter-clockwise to remove.

When you finally get in there, a simple fix for that aggravating problem is to pop-rivet the male end where it attaches to the shroud. In addition, don't overtighten the screws when you reinstall the air box.

_ken

 

[Fiddler's Gold]

Journey's Answer...

THE SCREW IN BOX KEEPS ON TURNIN' --- I DON'T KNOW HOW TO STOP IT!



Sorry couldn't help it.

Andy

 

[Edmond]

Are you talking about the entire housing unit or the lid itself? The housing unit is one of the most annoying things to do so I never take mine off unless it's totally necessary. Sorry that I can't really help because I have no definite way of doing it.

But as for the air induction system, you can simply cut the filter open yourself. I did and I noticed an immediate improvement in throttle response. The K&N can be bought for about $50 I believe. It's also a very nice investment but if you search eBay enough, you can get one for $30 or so. I went the eBay route and I figured that since they're washable, it's okay to buy a used one.

 

[chuck]

Look under the box you can see the metal clips turning. Get a long screw driver and hold it against the clip to keep it from turning and loosen the plastic knob. Chuck

 

[Heyspike]

Thanks All, I'm working a 24 tomorrow, will try it on Monday. I was remove it because the filter cover screw bracket is broken, I was going to try to rig something up to hold me over until I replace the air system. Going to clean the throttle body too. It idles a little rough.
Thanks. John.

 

[trrgod]

Chuck has it right. Take a screw driver and slide it in under the housing near where the bolt goes through the cover.
\The tab that holds the bolt in the frame is turning, that is why the knob just turns. So, by using the screw driver you stop the tab from turning and the knob will come off of the bolt.
Once it's off you will see what the problem is. It is the way the tab is connected that is the problem.
Pop rivets are one way to fix it.
Good Luck

 

[Hrtbeat1]

I also noticed this. The knob on the end of the screw may be coming off. Look to see if you see knurled edges at the top of the screw just under the knob. If so use a little force and press the know back on the screw. Worked for me.

 

[Heyspike]

Great news, I got he nut off. I also riveted the bracket on one side, then while I was riveting the other bracket, the screw fell into the black hole......................but that's another story...