Intake Manifold Install
I started getting an oil leak from the back of my motor, so I degreased it and sprayed it off and checked it after driving it a little. Sure enough, it was my manifold gaskets. With my body shop discount, I got the gaskets for like $64 at the local NAPA.
The install is pretty straight forward, nothing too difficult. Just make sure you don't lose any of your nuts or bolts and try not to break anything vital..haha.. If you have a higher mileage Maxima/I30, this is the time that I suggest that you also replace your EGR valve, as it's only possible to replace it with the intake manifold off of the motor. When I took my manifold off and looked at my EGR valve, it was literally 100% backed up with carbon deposits and gunk, and I had to use my pick tools to clean out the build up. I'll replace the EGR next time I have my manifold off....
Also, what I like to do with parts that I take off, is to clean them before I put them back on the motor.. that includes wiping down any hoses, clamps, plactic parts and the intake manifold itself.
VERY IMPORTANT: DO NOT DROP ANYTHING, DIRT OR OTHERWISE INTO THE EXPOSED HEADS!! Use clean shop towels or what have you to cover any open holes to the motor, and don't get dirt on or hear the camshafts or valves.
Here you can see my painted spark plug cover. Painted in the same color as my car. The lettering was all done by hand with Diamond White Pearl and Pearl Blue. Note the new engine oil dipstick. Little by little I'm changing out old worn parts with new ones.
Taking out the Intake box first, the strut tower bar was also removed.
Gotta have your snacks and refreshments at hand! Thats real tea in my cup, none of that crap-bagged stuff from the store! Keep plenty of gloves at hand. And the FSM is always handy.
Disconnect anything from the top of the IM that will get in the way of its removal, wiring harness, tubes, cruise control and throttle body cables, also its a good idea to remove the bracket at the back of the IM that holds the coolant pipes in place as it will be easier to reach the back of the IM to undo the two 12mm bolts and the EGR bolts. Then disconnect any vaccum lines, fuel lines, tubes that are attached near the TB.
Here you see the IM removed from the top of the motor. That is the old gasket you see. The pic on the right has the rear valve cover off.
The IM, all one piece. It comes off with the TB attached. The pic one the right shows the Inlet hole for the EGR valve. When i removed the IM, the hole was 100% backed up with Carbon deposits from the exhaust. This is a sign that the EGR needs to be replaced. I wish i would have ordered one at the same time i got my gaskets.
The valve cover. On the left- with the original gasket removed, not yet cleaned. Pic 2: with new gasket installed. You don't have to go crazy and scrub off all the oil residue. It won't affect you motors performance or anything.
New gasket, and rear valve cover installed.
The front valve cover removed.
Reassembly.... I forgot the EGR valve gasket at this time. Yeah.. it sucked. I was like F**K!#@*^!... :/
I had to loosed the IM and stick it in with most of the stuff already put back on the motor. But i did have to take the throttle body cables back off.. and the harness.. *sigh*
My trusty torque wrench. You should definitely have one of these for tightening the main retaining bolts (4) on the IM in the front. I torqued them to 15 lb. ft.
