Tips on How To Remove an Intake Manifold

Your vehicle’s intake manifold, also known as its inlet manifold, is an important part that distributes air to the engine’s different cylinders. In some vehicles, the intake manifold also holds the fuel injectors. Intake manifolds are typically made from cast iron or aluminum, but they’re occasionally made from plastic as well. If your vehicle’s intake manifold is acting up or inoperative, then it’s likely time to replace it.

Can I Replace My Intake Manifold Myself?

Because it’s part of the engine, replacing your vehicle’s intake manifold isn’t a job for beginners. We recommend taking your vehicle to a trusted auto shop if you notice problems with its intake manifold. Even just getting to the part requires a lot of disassembly. If you return the intake manifold or any of the connected parts incorrectly, your vehicle’s engine might stop working properly. When you do take your vehicle to the shop, here’s a look at how they’ll likely perform intake manifold removal:

Tools Needed

The auto-repair shop will have many tools at their disposal. For intake manifold removal, they’ll likely bring out the following items:

• A 3/8th socket set with a ratchet and extensions
• An assorted set of pliers for the different clamps and hoses in the engine bay
• Hose removal pliers or fuel line disconnectors

The auto shop might also use power tools like an electric ratchet and an electric impact to speed up their repairs. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model though, repairing it might require other tools not listed here.

Time Required

The amount of time needed to remove an intake manifold and install a new one depends a lot on the mechanic’s experience and the vehicle’s engine bay layout. Uninstalling the intake manifold alone can take an hour or two, and installing a new one takes even longer. If your vehicle’s intake manifold is stuck, it’ll also slow down repairs.

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Removing Connected or Overlapping Parts

The first step to removing your vehicle’s intake manifold is to remove all the parts connected to it. Your mechanic might also need to remove parts that overlap the intake manifold in the engine bay. If they don’t do this, they might hit and damage those parts when they pull out the intake manifold. Here are some key components they’ll need to remove:

Electrical Components

It’s vital that your mechanic disconnect the battery from the rest of the engine before starting. This includes undoing the intake manifold’s electrical connectors and wire harness. Disconnecting electrical components protects the rest of the system from electrical shocks and accidental short circuits.

List of Parts Connected to and Run Through and Over the Intake Manifold

The exact parts connected to or run through and over your vehicle’s intake manifold vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model. In general, you can expect your mechanic to disassemble or disconnect the following parts to reach your vehicle’s intake manifold:

• A/C compressor
• Air filter
• Air filter container
• Air pump assembly
• Alternator
• Belt system
• Carburetor
• Carburetor fuel and vacuum lines
• Coolant reservoir
• Distributor
• Intercooler
• Power steering line connections
• Throttle

You can ask your mechanic for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough of the parts they’ll be removing just so you know what’s going on while your vehicle’s in the repair shop.

Fasteners

There are a ton of fasteners holding everything together under the hood. A good mechanic will be able to find all the connecting bolts and screws that keep the intake manifold and its related components in place.

Cleaning the Engine Surface

To ensure a good seal around the new intake manifold, it’s good to clean the engine surface before reinstalling the intake manifold gasket. This is especially important around the mating surfaces. Your mechanic might use brake cleaner and scrapers to clear off any gunk buildup around the area.

Inspect Gaskets for Leaks

Before they install your vehicle’s new intake manifold, a good mechanic will inspect its gaskets for leaks. They can also apply gasket sealant on both ends of the gaskets for an extra secure seal. Because the intake manifold handles the air distribution in the engine, these seals are very important.

Reinstall Fasteners and Other Parts

Once your mechanic confirms that the gaskets are secure, they’ll proceed to install the new intake manifold, returning all the related parts and fasteners in the process.

How To Remove a Stuck Intake Manifold

If your vehicle’s intake manifold is stuck in some way, your mechanic will likely use penetrating oil to loosen it from its place. It’s also possible that some room-temperature-vulcanizing (RTV) silicone is keeping the intake manifold stuck to the engine block. In that case, your mechanic might also opt to heat the intake manifold with a propane torch or a heat gun to soften the silicone. This is a delicate procedure that can damage the engine if not done correctly.

While intake manifold removal is a complicated procedure, it’s still good to know the basics of how it’s done. This way, you can ask your mechanic about the different steps they’re taking to repair your vehicle. Now that you know how to properly remove and install an intake manifold, you’re better prepared the next time you need to visit the auto shop.