Hello, I may have found the answer if I got the correct name but as it is couldn't find it.

I'm about to change my valve gasket om ,y 2001 xj and wish to remove the black plastic tube that the cables run through that sits to the drivers side of the valve cover. With it out I can remove the heat shield and generally keep things cleaner.

So what simple trick am I missing? Please don't say special tool

Are you taking about the breather line that goes from the vc to the air box??

No, this thing is actually just kind of a cable raceway. It runs parallel to the engine and sits between the valve cover and fuel injection. It connects on three posts. It needs removed prior to facilitate the heat shield being removed

I uploaded a pic here.https://www.cherokeeforum.com/member...cable-raceway/

Even if somebody knows the correct name of this cable raceway I would appreciate it as it would assist in my search.

I'm pretty sure your talking about where the throttle cables run across the vc. I don't remember off hand how to take it off let me go look outside.

Thanks for looking NJ, but no...I've included a pic here https://www.cherokeeforum.com/member...cable-raceway/

Not sure of the real name but it contains the fuel injector wiring loom as well as wires for the coolant temp sensor. On my 99 it's two pieces - a cap that is snapped on by little tabs along the sides, and a tray underneath. It just comes off if you yank straight up on it. Its got semi-compression fittings that cap the valve cover studs. Youll see it once you get it off. Be gentle though, that plastic sees a lot if heat cycling, it's easy to snap

Yeah? I've been yanking, it just sits there and threatens to break in 10 pieces. I'm skeered. Good to know that's how to do it though, thanks! Maybe heat gun on plastic to soften and pb on studs?

Your link didn't work for me. But yes just like salad said it pulls right off. You need to work it off back and forth. It gets caught up on the threads

And also just as salad said there are retaining clips you need to take them off first... Do not heat it you will melt the plastic

It is a huge pita to get off but it will pull off. The vc has a mix of bolts and studs. The studs are threaded on top and that's what your pulling that piece off of. So like I said it gets caught on the threads just be patient with it.

Uh, I didn't notice a mention of retaining clips...where are the retaining clips located? 'cause I sure haven't removed any. c-Clips or what? Metal?