More intake manifold question....

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- nooneimportant
  
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posted
19 years ago

Fri, Mar 25, 2005 3:42 AM

I posted a few days ago about a leaking manifold gasket... was trying to nurse it along another week or so so that a mechanic buddy of mine can assist on replacing the gasket... well that can't wait any more... damn thing let go with a vengance for me on my drive back from the local costco, fortunately i was less than a block from my apartment complex when it happened. So it looks like Im gonna have to tackle it myself tomorrow, or pay nicely for a tow truck and local shop to do it . Pretty comfortable with 90% of the work involved... only real concern I have is releasing pressure on the fuel system. The truck is a 1998 C-1500, 5.0L(305). The chiltons I have specifies a "Fuel Pressure Gauge Assembly" to be used for releiving the fuel pressure, however I can't find anyplace closeby that has that part, was wondering if there was any other way of relieving the pressure? Also I will be draining and flushing the coolent system after the repair, any recommendations on a good coolent to use in the Phoenix, AZ heat? Did get the valve covers and thermostat done the other day with no problems, aside from havinngto loosen the bracket holding the AC compressor and PS pump, pulled a lot of crap off that i get to remove AGAIN tomorrow.... oh well... still love the truck.

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- DonW
  
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posted
19 years ago

Fri, Mar 25, 2005 12:33 PM

I've relieved fuel pressure by first pulling the fuse on the pump and cranking the engine over a few seconds. Next wrap a shop towel or rags around something like a dowel and push on the Schrader valve. The rags soak up the fuel. Not aware of any coolant that performs better in Phoenix. Would suggest using distilled water rather than tap.

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- shiden_kai
  
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posted
19 years ago

Fri, Mar 25, 2005 5:19 PM

I wouldn't get too concerned about relieving the fuel pressure. The point at which you should be removing the fuel lines is way back at the rear of the intake manifold. Wait until you have removed the distributor and you will have plenty of room to loosen off the nuts. Since the fuel lines are pointing back over the bellhousing area, just loosen them and allow the pressure to drain down. I personally don't relieve fuel pressure on any vehicle that I work on and I do this all day long. A rag works quite well in making sure that fuel doesn't spray all over the place.

Do "not" try to take the fuel lines out of the center of the intake manifold where they take a funky 90 degree bend. It's a waste of time. Just disconnect at the rear, and the fuel lines stay with the manifold.

Ian