Ok, yes I have searched, for a bunch of different terms that I have heard this called. IDI Cover, Electronic Ignition Cover, engine cover, but nothing came up. Here is my question, I have seen many people paint their cover, how do you take that off, or is it just as simple as pulling out those 4 bolts and gently pulling it straight up, i believe the spark plugs are underneath that cover right? If i wanted to remove that and paint it, will i have any problems putting it back in place?
Would this also be the best opportunity to replace the spark plugs? And if so any recommendations for a new set? Anyone had good luck with some, or had bad luck with others?
Anyone know the procedure for removing this? I am assuming disconnect the battery, remove the bolts, here is where I get concerned. Is there something I need to unhook the spark plugs or whatever is below? Or do i just tug gently until it releases? When I take this off, do i need to put anything over the opening, I would put the hood back down, but does anything need to go on top of it to protect the plugs below?
-Rob
Haha. You unscrew the four 13mm bolts, disconnect the wire harness connector on the right side of the cover, and pull off the cover.
There are plastic and rubber "boots" that contain small springs which are what contact the spark plug and the little metal tips on the bottom of the white coilpack housing attached to the bottom of the IDI cover. The spark plugs are fine with the IDI cover off... and you don't need to disconnect the battery... lol.
Use NGK TR55 spark plugs if you replace them.
2001 Olds Alero (LD9)
650 whp / 543 ft-lb
@turboalero
thanks for the information, thats awesome
Looking for these parts for a 2000 Cavalier
Radio Bezel
Lower Dash
Upper Dash
Door Panels for a 2 door
Just to add a little more information, do all this with the engine cold. When you pull off the cover, one or more of the boots may not come off with it. Boots that stay stuck on their plugs must be carefully removed and assembled to the cover for reassembly. (GM has a special tool for removing stuck boots, but you can do it without it.) Pick up some dielectric grease and anti-seize compound when you buy plugs put a coat of grease on the inside of the boots before putting the cover back on. Make sure you gap the plugs (0.050 for the LD9) and I recommend you use anti-seize compound on the plug threads when you install them. Torque the plugs to 13lb/ft and the cover bolts to 16lb/ft (per the OEM service manual). The manual also says to use threadlocker (ie: Locktite) on the cover bolts. This would be a good time to recommend you get a manual such as a Haynes or OEM as they contain these procedures and the gap and torque specifications you'll need. You should also have some good basic tools including a torque wrench. Good luck. - Mark
Thanks Mark, will have to get one of those manuals, I got the Early Service Manual for the 2000 J car, but I am thinking that it expects you to know more about the car then I do.
Looking for these parts for a 2000 Cavalier
Radio Bezel
Lower Dash
Upper Dash
Door Panels for a 2 door
Robert, I noticed you're looking for door panels and I remember your car is a convertible. I believe the panels are different from the coupe's as the convertible doesn't have window frames. The difference may just be at the top, as the panels are two pieces (upper and lower) bonded together. The coupe's may work, but just be aware that there may be a difference.
I pulled my IDI cover off setting up for a 2.2 coil conversion. I put the IDI cover back on, now I got a damn misfire.
Probably a spring or something...
Thanks MarkC, I will study my door panels to see if I can think of anything different from my old coupe. I had to take them off so many times it was crazy. The door panels I got now are busted from someone trying to tighten the screws up to much underneath the door panel. They kept twisting and eventually snapped all the thin plastic from the mounting points.
