Intake Manifold removal- It's stuck- Help!!

[Keith B.]

NCRS experts:

I'm removing my L-36 intake manifold to clean it up and re-paint it. Followed the 1966 service manual and have all the components, bolts, (except carb), dist, hoses, etc removed. I believe it's never been removed according to the org owner (39,939 org mile car). Now what, it's stuck!!

First time doing this, I know well enough not to pry it off. How do you break it loose guys??? Thank-you.

Keith.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Intake Manifold removal- It's stuck- Help!!

Well, I usually pry them off. Sometimes it takes a screwdriver or chisel and a hammer to break them loose. One just has to use a little caution and not get carried away.

[Mike M.]

Re: Intake Manifold removal- It's stuck- Help!!

insert a piece of pip[e, about 3" long down into one of the 4 openings on top the intake. pick a pipe just a tad smaller in OD than the ID of the intake hole. stand off to the left or right of the front clip and tug on it.thin drywall knife driven between block and intake then between head and intake ought to loosen the bab boy. good luck, mike

[Mike M.]

Re: Intake Manifold removal- It's stuck- Help!!

PS : check out the front and rear rubber seals. if they're the originals, there will be a small rubber tab(part of the seal) projecting horizontally beyond the engine case. on the little tab will be a near-microscopic GM embossed in the rubber seal. let us know what ya find. mike

[Rob A.]

Re: Intake Manifold removal- It's stuck- Help!!

I've used a putty, or drywall knife to break the seal, like Mike says. It's not sharp, or strong, so you can tap on the handle with a hammer, without fear of hurting the mating surfaces.

[Keith B.]

Re: Intake Manifold removal- IT'S OFF NOW!!

Mike: Thanks guys, appreciate the help!! A little work with a very strong putty type edge and pry up from the center and it popped off quite easy....sure is heavy that cast iron.

Yes, front and rear rubber seals were in place, NOT brittle or cracked, look to be in very, very good cond, well oiled and came off easy. In very small print it does say GM embossed in the center of each seal. Both side gaskets came off in one piece and off course I discarded them....

Can I re-use the GM rubber seals??

Keith

[Mike M.]

Re: Intake Manifold removal- IT'S OFF NOW!!

i would.mike