• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

Need help ASAP with smog removal

  • Thread starter Thread starter 95Cobra302
  • Start date Start date Jun 3, 2006

95Cobra302

Founding Member
Apr 9, 2002
394
3
19
Daytona Beach, FL
Jun 3, 2006
#1
  • Jun 3, 2006
  • #1
Ok, my thermactor plugs only screw in a little way, not all the way into the back of the heads. Is this what yours did to??? Also, the two bolts that hold up the smog tube to the back of the heads, do you need to screw them back in or can you leave them out?? Hopefully something can help so I can get this stuff done. Thanks
 

SeventyMach1

Keep it lubed .... keep it straight .... and keep
Mar 30, 2005
1,940
3
36
North Carolina
Jun 3, 2006
#2
  • Jun 3, 2006
  • #2
I don't know what size plugs it was that I bought .... but I'm pretty sure they went all the way in. What size did you buy? How long are they? Hindsight 20/20 .... I don't think I would use the TFS plugs again, unless plugging the front of the heads. They can be a hassle to get in.


If worse comes to worse ... just go get 2 grade 8 bolts at Lowe's or a hardware store. The size you need are 5/8-11 x 3/4" long. Or you can just bust up 2 spark plugs and use them as bolts.


I hate that this is going so bad for ya'. Hope you get it straightened out soon.


EDIT: also be sure that you haven't "mis-threaded" the plugs.
 

95Cobra302

Founding Member
Apr 9, 2002
394
3
19
Daytona Beach, FL
Jun 3, 2006
#3
  • Jun 3, 2006
  • #3
I picked up my thermactor plugs from the ford dealership, I'm pretty sure they only come in one size. I just went ahead and finished it up and everything seems to be ok, I guess if it was leaking combustion gases or something I would know, but nothing seems to be coming out. Also, do you put your smog tube bolts back in the heads??
 

SeventyMach1

Keep it lubed .... keep it straight .... and keep
Mar 30, 2005
1,940
3
36
North Carolina
Jun 3, 2006
#4
  • Jun 3, 2006
  • #4
95Cobra302 said:
Also, do you put your smog tube bolts back in the heads??
Click to expand...



I did (to be on the safe side, I guess) .... but I'm not sure if you have to or not.
 

SVTCobra306

New Member
Oct 22, 2005
170
1
0
Ft. Bragg, NC
Jun 4, 2006
#5
  • Jun 4, 2006
  • #5
I cut my fittings off the tubes and put them back on backwards... worked great!
 

mo_dingo

20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 26, 2003
3,031
2
58
Tucson, AZ
Jun 4, 2006
#6
  • Jun 4, 2006
  • #6
You can use a 9/16 NC short bolt too.
Scott
 

95Cobra302

Founding Member
Apr 9, 2002
394
3
19
Daytona Beach, FL
Jun 4, 2006
#7
  • Jun 4, 2006
  • #7
I cut my fittings off the tubes and put them back on backwards... worked great!
Click to expand...

So basically you flipped around the fittings and the flat side blocked off the holes in the heads right?? If i have any problems I just might do that, but no problems yet.
 

SVTCobra306

New Member
Oct 22, 2005
170
1
0
Ft. Bragg, NC
Jun 5, 2006
#8
  • Jun 5, 2006
  • #8
Yup. A lil' high-temp red permatex doesn't hurt anything either.

Usually you can't screw in a bolt or plug due to the buildup of carbon in the threads. Easy fix if the heads are off the car, just chase the threads and you're done. If they're on the car, however, the 1/2" of space you have to work with back there prohibits most of that. You can try cleaning it out with brakleen or carb cleaner to get the threads clean enough to screw in..

The actual holes you are plugging are only about twice the size of a pinhole anyway, it doesn't really take much to plug them.
 

95Cobra302

Founding Member
Apr 9, 2002
394
3
19
Daytona Beach, FL
Jun 5, 2006
#9
  • Jun 5, 2006
  • #9
Ok thanks for the help. I figured it was carbon or something built up on the threads for the reason they wouldn't screw in.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Smog pump bypass?
  • PvolkStang
  • Apr 12, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
526
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Aug 26, 2025
nickyb
Removing speedo cable from the VSS
  • 91AOD5.0LX
  • Mar 25, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
27
Views
783
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 25, 2026
91AOD5.0LX
A
Discussion on mild budget build/ top end
  • Acesario
  • Feb 21, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
20
Views
703
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 23, 2026
General karthief
M
Too much for me to repair in my current housing situation
  • My Drama Magnet 04 Gt
  • Apr 1, 2026
  • The Welcome Wagon
Replies
8
Views
276
The Welcome Wagon Apr 14, 2026
Noobz347
T
Convertible A-pillar weatherstrip issues
  • thiefofcheese
  • Oct 24, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
332
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Nov 20, 2025
AeroCoupe
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?