C7 Engine and Cabin Air Filter Inspection

[turbozig]

On the home stretch of my C7 maintenance and detail before she gets put to sleep for a long winter slumber. Here are some pic's of the engine air filter and cabin air filter removal, inspection and cleaning. A very simple task anyone can accomplish quickly. The procedure is in the owners manual as well. There are four 7mm bolts holding on the heat duct which needs to be removed first. I find it easier to remove the complete air intake plenum. The two large clamps are loosened, 8mm bolts. There are 2 plastic PCV vent tubes whiche are removed by pushing down on the gray buttons and pulling up on the tubing gently at the same time. There is one electical connector which needs to be removed by gently pulling up on the red clip to release the lock, then pushing in on the release clip and pulling the connector off. At this point the complete air intake plenum ass'y can be removed, inspected and cleaned. Finally, the air filter hosing is removed by loosening the 2 torx T20 bolts, tilted downwards and then removed by pulling out of the two lower slots. At this point the air filter can be removed for cleaning or replacement. I should mention that a small amount of mechanical aptitude is required for this task, but is overall very easy to accomplish.

 

[turbozig]

 

[turbozig]

If not very dirty, which mine isn't, the air filter can be gently blown off with compressed air and reused.

 

[turbozig]

Now that everthing is removed, it is a great time to inspect the air plenum ductwork and thottle body for any oil that has been ingested, which has been noted on numerous websites if you oil has been overfilled on the Z51 dry sump engines. If oil is found, it can be cleaned carefully before reassembly. Mine has been dry from day one. I keep my oil filled to the lower hash marks on the dipstick. It is also, a great time to inspect the engine accessory drive belt, and to confirm all hoses are in good condition and tight. Also shown in the last pic is the air filter installed back in it's housing.

 

[turbozig]

Here are the only parts you require to remove for air filter replacement. A picture of the air plenum exit is shown to be nice and dry with no sign of oil ingestion.

 

[ddgermann]

You are definitely the guy to buy a pre-owned Corvette from Ziggy.
I expect guys will be lined up if you ever sell that baby.
I’ve seen your car and it is truly immaculate.

 

[turbozig]

Here is everthing cleaned, reinstalled and reconnected, and it still runs! Taking my time cleaning, the entire process took under an hour.

 

[Black 03 Z06]

Good grief that is spotless. Nice instructional write up along with some good photos.

Derek is right "it is truly immaculate".

 

[turbozig]

Here are the pictures of the air compartment air filter removal. Kind of a tight area, especially on the Z51 due to the oil tank and vent line placement. There are 3 small u shaped tabs you need to push down to release the inspection plate cover. I released 2 of the PCV vent connectors to gain more room for filter removal. Remove the cover and slide out the filter. Several video's online show more detail. This filter was very dirty and replaced. Reassembly is the reverse. A simple process that can be easily accomplished at home. Cheers!

 

[Rick9456]

Great to job Ziggy, you'll have to get your own Saturday morning auto show.

 

[turbozig]

Great to job Ziggy, you'll have to get your own Saturday morning auto show.

Mmmmmm, maybe a good early retirement job. What do you thinks of the name, "Zig's Garage"?

 

[Rick9456]

I like it. Maybe you could work me in as a side kick.

 

[nascar03]

“Ziggy’s Place
OCD Lives Here”

Book now.

LOL
Graham

 

[Armitage]

My engine bay wasn't that clean an hour after I drove off the lot!

 

[tyho]

Here are the pictures of the air compartment air filter removal. Kind of a tight area, especially on the Z51 due to the oil tank and vent line placement. There are 3 small u shaped tabs you need to push down to release the inspection plate cover. I released 2 of the PCV vent connectors to gain more room for filter removal. Remove the cover and slide out the filter. Several video's online show more detail. This filter was very dirty and replaced. Reassembly is the reverse. A simple process that can be easily accomplished at home. Cheers!

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I have 16000 km on my car, mostly highway. If I want to check the filter, do I need to remove the other components before I can get to the tabs to remove the filter or can I get to the tabs with the other items there? I have a 2015 Z51 M7. Thanks.

 

[ddgermann]

My engine bay wasn't that clean an hour after I drove off the lot!

That’s exactly what told Ziggy yesterday standing there looking at both his Vettes. His 70 is the same man. Not a spot on anything.

 

[turbozig]

I have 16000 km on my car, mostly highway. If I want to check the filter, do I need to remove the other components before I can get to the tabs to remove the filter or can I get to the tabs with the other items there? I have a 2015 Z51 M7. Thanks.

You have to remove all components as mentioned above. It looks like more work than it actually is, quite an easy job. 20-30 min first time, 2nd time will be less than 10 min. total once you know how everything comes apart.