While the fuel rail is off for new injectors, I want to remove the intake manifold to check out some of the plumbing underneath. Is it essential to replace the gasket(s). Will they likely be ruined by the removal anyway? Searchs mainly point out the need to get them all aligned properly.

 

When I did mine they were about a $1.95 each. So why on earth would you want to reuse the old ones? BTW, the reason I was replacing mine was that one of the gaskets had blown out. Started with a tiny pin hole (which was pretty much invisable and caused idle issues when warm) - and then went to a full blow out (which was pretty easy to spot and caused major idle issues). Replace them and you'll likely never need to do so again.

 

If they have been on a while, your going to tear them, one good thing is the gaskets are cheap.

 

I wanted to do it tonight, but don't have gaskets on hand. I'll get gaskets and wait for another time. Thanks.

 

I always replace the intake gaskets whenever i remove the intake (manual recommends so).

It is the gasket on the #1 runner that needs to be installed upside down.



Coutesy of Mr. Bruce

 

When you get a set of new ones, "paint" them with some good antiseize compound so they don't stick and you can reuse them a bunch of times. Yeah they're all of two bucks each no big deal, it's mostly because so much stuff requires pulling the intake to do that they come off pretty often. I'd hate to be stuck without a car for a day or two just because I can't find one in stock and have to wait for one to show up. The antiseize keeps them from sticking to the head/intake and you can usually reuse them a bunch of times. This is one of the few gaskets that I'd actually do this with of course.

 

What is the reason for installing the #1 gasket upside down? I've never taken the intake off, but may do so soon.

 

The gasket has to be flipped over to line up w/ the bolt holes. Notice the difference between 1 & 2-4 in Hussam's picture.

Before you remove your intake, clean the top of the head around the intake carefully and thoroughly. You don't want grit working it's way into the intake ports or manifold bolt holes before you can get them covered.