TPS Removal HELP please

[Roadster90]

I have had a defective TPS for a couple of months (along with my back disability acting up <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> ), and thought I would try to replace it today even though the bending might be disasterous..it is)....

Edit:

Also, since the darn screws are in such a position <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />, are there any tricks to adjusting the TPS please?

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />Thanks,

Nic

Anyway....how does the back screw come out...I have tried every (including offsets) screwdriver length and style I have...can't get anything to fit in the phillips head????

I have removed both electrical gang plugs and the small rubber vacuum hose....Do I have to remove the big coolant hose as well (do I loose fluid on the ground for the cat to drink if I do) Totally confused here <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

[padgett]

What back screw ? I believe there are just two and the TPS slides to adjust. Do need to remove the small "manifold heat" hose but should be above the coolant level on a cold engine. Might be easier with the big hose off but not necessary. Just do not drop the screws.

[Roadster90]

Yes just two screws Padgett, and I removed the small hose(or at least the maf side of the hose), but even with a long screwdriver the angle of approach of the long phillips screwdriver prohibits engagement of the "back or second" screw...screw closest to the firwall side). I can not get any engagement pressure on an angle screwdriver to do any good either. How much antifreeze is lost when the top hose is removed? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

[Guest wally888]

Top hose!

You can side a piece of vac hose in rad., drain enough, not much, to remove top hose w/o drip/drainage.

Just fill vac hose w/ water, hold thumb over top end while installing.

TPS-replaced 2 and don't remmember having trouble. Have someone watch reading/setting as you move new TPS-tighten.

[padgett]

I have a screwdriver that is about 3/4" long. Believe that is the one I used.

[Guest Greg Ross]

Try a phillips screw driver tip (only)grabbed in the jaws of a set of vice grips. May have to get creative with something as a lever underneath the vice grips to give some contact pressure. Best I can suggest.

[Guest DTerry]

Find a 1/4" drive socket that fits on a Phillips bit (1/4"?), then just hold pressure on it while you ratchet it off. I don't remember it being a problem, either.

[Roadster90]

I reassembled what I had taken loose until I read these replies...will attempt again tomorrow....

Thanks for all of the replies and ideas folks....The radiator hose is simply going to have to come off for me....thanks for the antifreeze tip Wally.

Then these suggested tools will work. I may also have a damaged screw head on that "back" screw as well as nothing I can get in there even partially will "bite"...won't know until I get it out of course.

Padgett...I have set of those "shortie" screwdrivers (forgot about the little things) The handles are 3/4" long and the bit / driver shaft is 3/4" (1 1/2 total)...Darling little tools <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. That or a ratchet will be tools of choice when I get the hose off.

Thanks again folks