Catch Can Install Frustration

[HappySquirrel]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to do the Mishimoto catch can install and I can't get the lower quick disconnect fitting to let go. I have tried everything. I watched Mishimoto's absolutely worthless install video (a topic for another time), then I watched Games&Gears's youtube install video which was a bit more helpful, and finally I also watched Joe Mainiero's video on the UPR catch can install. I still can't get the damn thing loose and I've been trying for well over an hour (just for that part alone - been working on the total install for over 2 hours).

I had the car up on jackstands and I tried over and over and over to pull it off with my hand. I pushed down on the top of the white part as hard as I could while simultaneously pulling out. Nothing. The top one was almost impossible to get off, as well. I had to push down like you wouldn't believe with a flathead screwdriver while pulling the fitting away. Given that I could only get the top one off with the screwdriver, I don't think I can get the bottom one off with just my hands (and I tried for so long). And just for reference, I'm certainly no bodybuilder but I'm not a weakling, either, and I'm not new to wrenching on cars.

After watching the UPR video I decided to try the technique of reaching under the intake manifold with my right hand while trying to work a screwdriver underneath with my left, so that I can put pressure on the clip. I couldn't really even get the screwdriver to sit on top of the clip, let along put any serious pressure on it (I don't see how the guy in the UPR video makes it look so easy).

Anyone have any clue what I'm doing wrong? Do I simply have the toughest most PITA quick disconnects ever on my car? (My car is a brand new 2016, btw, just picked it up). I'm at my whit's end and frustrated beyond belief. I really don't want to pay someone else to do this, but this seems hopeless. :shrug:

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[b00sted]

Take the intake manifold off and save yourself a ton of time.

 

[HappySquirrel]

That sounds like a good idea. I'll try to find a good DIY or pulling the intake manifold. Thanks for the tip.

 

[cdenoma]

That sounds like a good idea. I'll try to find a good DIY or pulling the intake manifold. Thanks for the tip.

Search UPR catch can install on YouTube. Adam made a video of how to remove it.

 

[smdandb2]

I know your pain.

On my Mishimoto install I fought the same thing. I ended up threading a wood screw under the clip to pull it off.

 

[PewterCam]

Search UPR catch can install on YouTube. Adam made a video of how to remove it.

I have that link saved...

[ame]

removing the intake is super easy. Much easier than screwing with doing it from the bottom.

 

[TheRog]

Please give an update on this install. I have a mishimoto catch can sitting in my garage waiting to be installed. I wasn't planning on removing the intake.

 

[HappySquirrel]

Thank you very much guys. I watched Adam's video and I have the intake off and the catch can pipes installed but now I can't get the intake manifold back on! For some reason I can't get it pushed down and in far enough to get the bolt holes and studs to line up. ARGHH!! I can't figure out what is rubbing/interfering. This is driving me crazy. This "30 minute install" is tuning into a 4+ hour ordeal.

I think something might be rubbing on the lower part of the intake manifold, possibly those lower sensors rubbing against some of the piping? I'm going nuts.

EDIT: This is so frustrating. I might actually have to take this to a mechanic to finish off reinstalling the intake manifold because I can't get it lined up for the bolts. I can't believe this.

 

[Brian V]

I guess you are not a Happy Squirrel any more and in need of 2 more arms and hands ..

Good Luck with your frustation ...

 

[HappySquirrel]

I finally figured out that I hadn't pulled it back from the engine far enough before trying to line up the holes. I feel like the biggest idiot in the world at the moment. It's been one of those days. Got the 5 manifold bolts in. Hopefully the rest goes fine.

 

[HappySquirrel]

Everything (including the catch can) is finally done. I took the car for a test drive and so far no issues (fingers crossed). Thank you to everyone who commented in the thread. Also, thanks to Adam and Games&Gears/S550Stang for the helpful videos.

 

[dgc333]

I could not get the clip to release on mine either. I think Fords design for these suck. My son has a repair shop and he says the guys that work for him just break the lock clip and they keep a stash of spare clips.

I wound up breaking the clip on mine by pushing up on the end with a small flat blade screw driver. I spent about 20 minutes trying to depress the clip from above and below before deciding to break it. After that but took about 10 minutes to install the can.

The quick connects that were on the hoses that came with the UPR can are infinitely better

 

[HappySquirrel]

Oh man, I wish I had thought of just breaking the clip. Maybe I could have gotten it from below without taking off the intake manifold. Oh well.

Yeah, the quick disconnects on the Mishi can were also very nice. Unfortunately, as nice as their hardware is that's how bad (or non-existent) their instructions are. This will be the last item I buy from them.

 

[Keiferson22]

UPR has an excellent video showing what tool to use and what method. You'll need a very long flathead screw driver.

 

[HappySquirrel]

UPR has an excellent video showing what tool to use and what method. You'll need a very long flathead screw driver.

If that's the video I think it is, I tried it and no dice for me. I could barely get the end of the screwdriver situated on top of the connector, let alone put any serious pressure on it to break free. Not to mention, keeping my right arm in that position to grab underneath the manifold at the same time made it feel like I was about to break my arm. I have no idea how that guy in the video does it. Lots and lots of practice, I guess.

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