Chico and the Man

Actually, I'm not sure which one I am.  Probably the Man, since I am advancing in years, and sometimes cantankerous.  Oh, and I'm not Latino. 

Anyway, most folks probably look forward to getting home from work, cracking open a cold one, watching the news, or whatever. 

Not me.

Today, having spent my lunch hour running from the Ford house to the NAPA (auto parts, not the vineyards), and Builders Surplus just for good measure, I rushed home with my newfound treasures, pictured:

The 90° rubber elbow, center, which connects the air plenum with the PCV valve, had developed a nasty crack (read: vacuum leak), resulting in a confused MAF (don't worry, that's not a dirty term - it stands for Mass Air Flow) sensor.  And, by the time you tear it down to where you can access that @#%&$ little rubber piece ($24, by the way), it just makes sense to replace the plug wires (plugs not pictured) also.  Got most of it installed - will finish the assembly tomorrow.

Hopefully, this'll put some new flubber in my flying flivver.

Update:  Finished the assembly, started her up, seems to idle normally now.  Used the code reader to cancel the "check engine" light.  Next step, get a fresh inspection sticker.  I'm looking forward to driving this one - have been missing my JBL sound system and 6 disc changer.