Bad_dude

My car is a 1990 LX 4AT. I want to take the intake manifold off to replace the rear mount and clean out pretty good. I need some advice on what else, gaskets wise and parts replacements that I might need so I could prepare for it. Also, is coolant replacement needed and how much of it.
Here's the diagram:


I know I need gaskets #12, #14, and #18. Should I get one for the throttle body as well?
How many bolts to take the manifold off? Perhaps some one could give a complete steps of what needs done as if you have done it already. I have the downloaded manual and it does not have a complete and clear procedure of doing this. It just has the head removal and engine removal. What are the torque specs so I won't snap and break any bolts.

Other than the gasket, do I need to use any thing else like RTV silicone in the corners like the valve cover?
If I don't touch the TPS, I don't need to calibrate it after the installation?
Thanks.

Thanks.

NZXTInerTia

Clean the EGR really well, clean the IACV as well, replace the throttle body gasket too. You could always go and get a new thermostat and thermostat housing O-Ring while your at it. Then if you're REALLY thorough you could get new injector O-Rings.

Bad_dude

I have cleaned the EGR a few years back. But I wasn't too sure that would really clean it well without the intake off. I have clean the IACV twice since I got the car in 2008 used. The TB gasket is what I haven't replace. Right before I bought the car in 08, the first and previous owner just replaced the lower radiator hose and thermostat, so I assume he replaced the O-ring as well. This was done at a shop. This was done when the car was at 120K miles, and it now has 154K miles. All injectors seals and o-ring replaced when I did the EGR. The car is well maintain I would say.
Smog is coming up and last time it barely pass. Just want to make sure it will easily this time. Cap and rotor less than 10K miles and OEM. New Denso plugs and cables less than 2 weeks old.

But I just need some DIY with pictures and tips as I know there might be bolts hidden under. Or at least a clear diagram of where the bolts are.

Thanks.

NZXTInerTia

There are nine bolts in total, four on top and five on bottom.

holmesnmanny

It would be best to get another throttle body gasket and take off the throttle body and clean it out while you're at it.

Yes you will need to drain and refill the coolant. What's probably the hardest part of this job is the intake manifold gasket. It is possible, if when you take the intake manifold off and it doesn't tear to reuse the old gasket, however if it tears at all, you will need to remove all of the old gasket and put a new one on.

However, doing this is not easy. You will need to remove the studs. To do that, you will need to use two of the intake manifold nuts and put one on and use a box wrench to hold it steady, then use a 12mm socket to tighten them both together, then use the socket wrench to remove the outside nut and it should remove the stud. After removing all 9 you will need to use a razor to remove all of the gasket material. Again, this is not easy and takes patience. Only use the long side of the razor, don't try using the corner or you will wind up scratching the head. You will need to remove the gasket materal that remains on the intake manifold side, if any remains.

Bad_dude

That's a lot work. It's never been taken off. How long all that will take?
Thanks.

holmesnmanny

Atleast an hour probably and hour an a half to remove all of the gasket material AND to remove the studs. Like I said, you could get lucky and it will come apart without tearing, but it is unlikely.

nus_dogg

The part that takes the longest is removing the old gasket off the head.

Lost Again

Sorry, let the flames begin.

Has anyone ever taken a nice set of extenions and removed the bracket from the trans...and then removed the mount

Ok yes the top bolt out first and then the bracket and there are a few other little wire/hose connectors.

Mishako129

Man that was a beast to clean off, just today had to remove the studs and get a power sander to get all the gasket material off, it literally fuses to the head. I replaced it with a heat shield gasket made of thick plastic. Next time it won't be that hard.