Hi Dave,
I own an 8673D and I'm very satisfied with this generator; it performs quite
well.
I was able to get it back in exchange for another working instrument,
however, this 8673D was considered DEAD.
After several repairs and... several weeks later, I was facing the same
problem as you: separating the two stages to gain access to the 3.5mm
connector I wanted to replace.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to separate them.
Let's just say I didn't try too hard, but I still removed or freed all the
cables and semi-rigid cables connecting them, and I couldn't find a way to
separate the two front panels.
I thought it was the central screws that were blocking everything.
But according to the procedure you attached, it seems the central screws
weren't involved in the disassembly.
So, I don't know what was preventing the separation.
All the metal support clips were removed.
In my case, it was the external part of the 3.5mm connector that was
slightly damaged.
I had corrected the connector with an exacto, but it was by installing a
3.5mm connector extension that I resolved the problem.
This 3.5mm connector came from a defective (non-repairable) module that
fitted an 83480A.
Since then, it has remained stable and meets specifications.
If you ever find the correct procedure, I would be interested to know it.
Yves
