How to Replace a Lower Intake Manifold Gasket
- 1). Do away with the distributor from the top of the intake manifolds. This is achieved by removing all spark plug wires from the distributor's cap. When looking at the distributor, imagine it as the face of a clock, starting at the 12 o'clock position, label each spark plug wire in a clockwise circle before removal, and mark the distributor at 6 o'clock before loosening it. This way every spark plug wire will be easily put back in the proper place to ensure proper firing order. Follow by using a wrench to remove the retaining nut located below the distributor. Remove the distributor by lifting it straight up and out.
- 2). Disengage the water pump and the upper radiator hose from the intake manifold's front side. A solitary hose clamp is all that is used to secure each hose. Utilize a flat-head screwdriver and loosen the screws for each clamp. To ensure that each hose connects back to the correct fitting, place a small piece of white electrical tape on both with matching numbers. For instance, the water pump and fitting are both marked "1", while the radiator hose and fitting will be marked "2."
- 3). Move the clamps away from the hose ends once they are loosened. Tug on the hoses to remove them from the intake manifold connection points. Take out the manifold retaining bolts, using a wrench, and raise the manifold off the engine.
- 4). Make use of the four intake manifold replacement gaskets and get them ready for installation. Notice that two of the gaskets are short and two are long. The gaskets that are short are intended for the manifold ends.
- 5). Take both of the short gaskets, coat one side of them with gasket sealer, and put the coated sides against the engine. Coat the other side of the short gaskets with gasket sealer. Repeat the process for the longer gaskets. Lower the intake manifold back into place and lock down the manifold's retaining bolts.
- 6). Attach the water pump hose and upper radiator hose back to the manifold. Match the numbered labels on the hoses to the numbered labels on the fittings. Affix each hose to the connection point on the manifold, and place the hose clamps over the hose ends. Use the flat-head screwdriver to lock down all the hose clamps.
- 7). Put the distributor back in place, matching up the 6 o'clock mark you made, and lock it in place with the retaining bolt, using a wrench. Attach the spark plug wires back to the distributor cap by matching the numbers on the plug wires to their corresponding holes on the distributor. Number 1 is at the 12 o'clock position, and so forth. Turn on the engine and allow the engine to idle for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Take the car out for a test run.