Removing The Intake Manifold Plenum
As you already know, the upper intake manifold plenum does not need to be removed to test the fuel injectors. But there are some cases where it has to be removed to visually inspect the condition of the fuel injector connectors or to check for fuel leaks, etc.
If you do have to remove the upper intake manifold, I have some important suggestions to keep in mind:
TIP 1: Cover the open intake manifold runners with shop towels when you remove the plenum. In the photo above you can see the lower intake manifold runners exposed to open air. It's important that you cover them up with clean shop towels to avoid having any metal object fall into them.
If anything falls into the open intake manifold runners and you start the engine, you're gonna' have a major headache on your hands. Because the only way to remove what fell into the engine, is by removing the cylinder heads.
TIP 2: Don't use any type of sealant on the intake manifold plenum gaskets you should install the intake plenum gaskets dry (without any type of sealant).
TIP 3: Tighten the intake manifold plenum bolts to 11 foot pounds with a torque wrench.
Using a torque wrench to tighten the bolts will avoid over-tightening them or under-tightening them.
TIP 4: Disconnect the battery negative (-) cable from the negative battery post. Disconnecting the battery negative cable from the battery is a simple safety precaution so that the engine won't be accidentally cranked while the plenum is off the engine.
More 3.5L V6 Chevy Malibu Tutorials
You can find a complete list of 3.5L V6 Chevy Malibu tutorials here: GM 3.5L V6 Index Of Articles.
Here's a list of articles you'll find there:
- How To Test The Engine Compression (2004-2007 3.5L Chevrolet Malibu).
- How To Do A Cylinder Balance Test (2004-2007 3.5L Malibu).
- How To Test A Blown Head Gasket (2004-2007 3.5L Malibu).
- How To Test The MAF Sensor (2004-2008 3.5L Malibu).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
