Remove intake manifold to replace head?

[juntjoo]

I just read you don't have to after every manual I've read instructs to do so. Any opinions on this from those of you who've done it? I guess why do it if you don't have to right? Besides, I couldn't figure out a way to get to those bolts in the back. Just unbolt that support stay in the back of it right, then I'll just have to disconnect it from the head once I get it out?

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[cj8990]

Let me clarify here... youre replacing the head but you dont wanna remove the intake manifold?

 

[Fehrion_sit]

i took the whole head off without taking ether manifold off, its a pain but doable ...

 

[cj8990]

Wait nvm didnt see that last sentence..

In the past Ive left the manifold on and removed it after the head is out.. although if you do this be careful. You dont want to be supporting the weight of the head on the intake manifold. I'd probably just take the head off while its in the car, its not as hard as it sounds and will make lifting the head off the studs easier.


-Corey

 

[bryanwheat]

Some people do it either way. I prefer to remove the intake first, but i've done it hundreds of times so it is a 15 minute job for me. If you unbolt the compressor from the back of the block and let it hang the bolts are easier to get to.

 

[SmoochDarling]

It's much much easier to just remove the intake manifold. It more so makes the re-installation of the head a lot easier because it is easier to realign the head to the block without the added weight and bulk of the IM... Just take the time and do it right. No shortcuts.

 

[juntjoo]

Let me clarify here... youre replacing the head but you dont wanna remove the intake manifold?

No, not while it's still on the block. it's seems really hard to get to the rear bolts

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[juntjoo]

Okay, so move the AC compressor out of the way first? I'll do that and also the battery and see how it goes. any special tools needed?

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[goodbuds]

12mm rachet wrench

 

[stukyl28]

I've left my intake and exhaust manifold on every time I've ever had to pull the head. It makes it much heavier but, once the head is off the manifolds are a breeze to take off.

 

[WES_393]

I leave the manifolds on so I can lift the head with a engine hoist. Yes, I'm that lazy.

But in all seriousness, removing the intake manifold in the car is a giant PITA. Remove the throttle body, the fuel lines, all the connectors and the manifold can come with the head. It's also like to install the manifold out of the car to make sure the gasket doesn't get pinched. Boost leak testing the entire assembly on the bench is a breeze.

 

[Eeeeky]

I dont understand.. It takes me 45 mins to take the head off of a stock 1g/2g, with everything on it. Thats removing BOTH manifolds. I dont remove the throttle body, or elbow, or AC components. Its not THAT hard.

Steps i take:
Remove exhaust manifold
Remove fuel rail
Timing cover, CUT timing belt ( I NEVER reinstall a used belt)
Remove the bolts from the bottom of the IM brace
Remove ALL intake manifold bolts
Remove coolant lines to TB
Remove throttle cable, and all vac lines.
Remove intake manifold
Remove valve cover
Remove all electronics to the head
Drain antifreeze, remove radiator, and hoses.
Loosen head bolts and remove them
Tap different corners of the head with a rubber mallet, or dead blow hammer
Lift head off.... easy easy easy.

Sure you put your hand in a tight place or two getting the bottom bolts off of the intake mani, but its not hard..just a little time consuming. I even had my GF remove an intake manifold from her car, and just showed her where the bolts were on a spare IM. She had the manifold off in about 15 mins, first try.

Do it right, or dont do it at all!

 

[hypergenesis]

i took the whole head off without taking ether manifold off, its a pain but doable ...

Its not that bad with 2 people you can just lift it all off , we did it all by hand and left both manifolds connected as well.

 

[LiquidX]

I removed my head with the IM on. I have to remove the turbo setup though.

 

[juntjoo]

I dont understand.. It takes me 45 mins to take the head off of a stock 1g/2g, with everything on it. Thats removing BOTH manifolds. I dont remove the throttle body, or elbow, or AC components. Its not THAT hard.

Steps i take:
Remove exhaust manifold
Remove fuel rail
Timing cover, CUT timing belt ( I NEVER reinstall a used belt)
Remove the bolts from the bottom of the IM brace
Remove ALL intake manifold bolts
Remove coolant lines to TB
Remove throttle cable, and all vac lines.
Remove intake manifold
Remove valve cover
Remove all electronics to the head
Drain antifreeze, remove radiator, and hoses.
Loosen head bolts and remove them
Tap different corners of the head with a rubber mallet, or dead blow hammer
Lift head off.... easy easy easy.

Sure you put your hand in a tight place or two getting the bottom bolts off of the intake mani, but its not hard..just a little time consuming. I even had my GF remove an intake manifold from her car, and just showed her where the bolts were on a spare IM. She had the manifold off in about 15 mins, first try.

Do it right, or dont do it at all!

Girls have smaller arms and hands. ...Hmmm, women could be good mechanics. They would always have to have lube strapped to them for lack of brute strength men have to get off the toughest bolts & nuts but they could get to them way easier. If only there were more of them interested. Could be a successful franchise.

"Girls & Lube Auto Repair" the sign would have a logo of a girl in a pair of over sized overalls standing sexy with one hand(and weight) on her hip, the other holding up a big ass wrench and she'll have grease stains on her face over an adorable smile.

Anyway thanks for your responses. It's kinda a toss up. You guys are convincing me on both options. I'll wait a bit and research some more b4 deciding

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[bryanwheat]

Its not that bad with 2 people you can just lift it all off , we did it all by hand and left both manifolds connected as well.

If this job takes 2 people than you are doing something wrong. If i had to have someone helping me, i'd just get pissed at the other person for getting in the way.

Girls have smaller arms and hands. ...Hmmm, women could be good mechanics. They would always have to have lube strapped to them for lack of brute strength men have to get off the toughest bolts & nuts but they could get to them way easier. If only there were more of them interested. Could be a successful franchise.

"Girls & Lube Auto Repair" the sign would have a logo of a girl in a pair of over sized overalls standing sexy with one hand(and weight) on her hip, the other holding up a big ass wrench and she'll have grease stains on her face over an adorable smile.

Anyway thanks for your responses. It's kinda a toss up. You guys are convincing me on both options. I'll wait a bit and research some more b4 deciding

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I've got fat hands and have no problem doing it. Drop the ac compressor down and remove the starter, you will be able to get all 4 lower bolts with a 12mm wrench easily. As for the exhast manifold, i don't know why anyone would leave that attached. IT takes less time to remove than the intake manifold. You can even leave the turbo attached to the engine.

 

[bmoha7321]

I no longer have AC compressor on the motor. I'm a big guy. Big hands. Long forearms. It was a bi*** to get my IM off the first time when I replaced the gasket. I'd imagine it's easier to do with an EVO III or aftermarket IM like JMF?

 

[SLIDER121]

The easiest and quickest way, is to unbolt the exhaust manifold from the head and remove the head and intake together. It makes it easier to put back together, otherwise you risk dropping the head on the gasket because a stud or manifold gets in the way.

 

[WES_393]

OP- Your 1g would be much easier to get the intake manifold off since there is more room in that area. But take my word for it, removing the manifolds in the car takes more time and leaves nowhere to grab the head. To me it's like pulling the engine without the trans, your just promising yourself more work by trying to do less.

 

[juntjoo]

The easiest and quickest way, is to unbolt the exhaust manifold from the head and remove the head and intake together. It makes it easier to put back together, otherwise you risk dropping the head on the gasket because a stud or manifold gets in the way.

I guess i'm gonna try this 1st. While i'm down there, aside from checking piston rings, what do you guys suggest with the rods and pistons themselves? If they look pretty decent can I just leave them?
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[92AWDHX40]

I always pull the head with the intake, two man job, easy enough, done it so many times its like clockwork.

 

[juntjoo]

I don't have anyone to help me pull it off and I've got a bad back so taking the IM off. Thanks to whoever posted the tip earlier, taking the starter off made getting to that 1st bolt possible. I woulda eventually resorted to it but since no guide walks you through these difficult steps I just wanted to check with you guys. Thanks

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[hypergenesis]

If this job takes 2 people than you are doing something wrong. If i had to have someone helping me, i'd just get pissed at the other person for getting in the way.

Hows it mean I am doing something wrong? Theres not much getting in the way when all is said and done along with the fact that a good bit of things need to be unbolted from underneath. I personally don't see a fault for having 2 people work on 1 car can't we get some group action?

I always pull the head with the intake, two man job, easy enough, done it so many times its like clockwork.

See and im not the only one haha.

Armin

 

[juntjoo]

Let's all just agree to disagree, or, if you're by yourself, remove IM, or if you have a friend to help, save time and leave IM(and maybe EM too?) on.

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[DSML7dropkick]

To each their own i guess. I personally would. It would make lifting that head off easier.