GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Important: You do not have to remove the upper intake manifold in order to remove the lower intake manifold.

  1. Disconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.

  2. Object Number: 444792  Size: SH
  3. Disconnect the breather tube at the air cleaner outlet duct.

  4. Object Number: 312278  Size: SH
  5. Remove the air cleaner outlet duct retaining wingnut.

  6. Object Number: 10940  Size: SH
  7. Disconnect the IAT sensor harness connector.

  8. Object Number: 424556  Size: SH
  9. Remove the air cleaner outlet duct from the throttle body.

  10. Object Number: 325556  Size: SH
  11. Disconnect the accelerator cable from the throttle body.

  12. Object Number: 616725  Size: SH
  13. Remove the accelerator cable from the accelerator control cable bracket.

  14. Object Number: 616709  Size: SH
  15. Remove the accelerator cable from the cable routing bracket.
  16. Disconnect the cruise control cable, if equipped, from the throttle shaft and the accelerator cable bracket. Refer to Cruise Control Cable Replacement in Cruise Control.

  17. Object Number: 346148  Size: SH
  18. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the intake manifold, if equipped with A/C.
  19. Disconnect the power brake booster vacuum hose.

  20. Object Number: 182853  Size: SH
  21. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  22. Remove the radiator inlet hose at the water outlet. Refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  23. Remove the heater hose from the intake manifold. Refer to Heater Inlet Hose Replacement and Heater Outlet Hose Replacement in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
  24. Remove the water pump inlet hose from the intake manifold.

  25. Object Number: 516916  Size: SH
  26. Disconnect the following electrical connectors:
  27. • The fuel meter body assembly (1)
    • The EVAP canister purge solenoid valve (2)
    • The manifold air pressure (MAP) sensor (3)

    Object Number: 516938  Size: SH
  28. Disconnect the following electrical connectors:
  29. • The ignition coil (2)
    • The ignition control module (ICM) (1)
    • The generator (4)

    Object Number: 516898  Size: SH
  30. Disconnect the following electrical connectors:
  31. • The idle air control (IAC) motor (3)
    • The throttle position (TP) sensor (2)
    • The A/C compressor cutoff switch, if equipped (5)
    • The A/C clutch switch, if equipped (1)
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor (4)
  32. Remove the engine wiring harness clips from the brackets.
  33. Move the engine wiring harness aside.

  34. Object Number: 398027  Size: SH
  35. Remove the accelerator cable bracket from the throttle body and the intake manifold.

  36. Object Number: 339439  Size: SH
  37. Remove the accelerator and the cruise control cable bracket from the throttle bracket.
  38. Leave the accelerator and cruise control cables on the bracket.


    Object Number: 172995  Size: SH
  39. Disconnect the PCV hose assembly from the intake manifold and the valve rocker arm cover.
  40. Remove the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.
  41. Remove the distributor. Refer to Distributor Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.
  42. Disconnect the fuel supply and return pipes at the rear of the intake manifold. Refer to Fuel Hose/Pipes Replacement - Engine Compartment in Engine Controls - 4.3L.

  43. Object Number: 340090  Size: SH

    Important: Do not discharge the refrigerant.

  44. Perform the following in order to remove the left front bolt for the intake manifold:
  45. 27.1. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
    27.2. Loosen the nut for the power steering pump rear bracket at the side of the engine.
    27.3. Remove the nut for the power steering pump rear bracket at the front of the engine.
    27.4. Remove the bolts and the nut for the power steering pump mounting bracket.
    27.5. Leave the A/C compressor, if equipped, and the power steering pump on the power steering pump mounting bracket.
    27.6. Slide the power steering pump bracket forward to access the bolt at the front of the intake manifold.

    Object Number: 31510  Size: SH
  46. Remove the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor wire connector (if equipped) from the engine wiring harness bracket.
  47. Remove the lower intake manifold bolts.
  48. Important: The intake manifold may be removed as an assembly. Do not remove the specific intake manifold components unless component service is required.

    Do not allow dirt or debris to enter the fuel system. Ensure that the ends of the fuel system are properly sealed.

    Do not disassemble the Multipoint Flexable Injection (MFI) unit, unless service is required.

  49. Remove the intake manifold assembly.
  50. Remove and discard the lower intake manifold gaskets.
  51. Important: Do not immerse the assembled intake manifold in cleaning solvent.


    Object Number: 480568  Size: SH
  52. Clean the lower intake manifold in cleaning solvent.
  53. Dry the lower intake manifold with compressed air.

  54. Object Number: 859864  Size: SH
  55. Inspect the lower intake manifold for the following:
  56. • Damage to the gasket sealing surfaces (1) and (2)
    • Restricted cooling system passages (3)
    • Cracks or damage
    • Damage to the threaded bolt holes
  57. If the intake manifold requires replacement refer to Intake Manifold Disassemble and Intake Manifold Assemble .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 38512  Size: SH

    Notice: Apply the proper amount of the sealant when assembling this component. Excessive use of the sealant can prohibit the component from sealing properly. A component that is not sealed properly can leak leading to extensive engine damage.

  1. Apply a 4.0 mm (0.157 in) patch of adhesive GM P/N 12346141 or equivalent to the cylinder head side of the lower intake manifold gasket at each end.
  2. Important: The lower intake manifold gasket must be installed while the adhesive is still wet to the touch.

  3. Install the lower intake manifold gasket onto the cylinder head.
  4. Use the gasket locator pins in order to properly seat the lower intake manifold gasket on the cylinder head.


    Object Number: 26744  Size: SH

    Notice: Apply the proper amount of the sealant when assembling this component. Excessive use of the sealant can prohibit the component from sealing properly. A component that is not sealed properly can leak leading to extensive engine damage.

    Important: The lower intake manifold must be installed and the fasteners tightened while the adhesive is still wet to the touch.

  5. Apply a 5 mm (0.197 in) bead of adhesive GM P/N 12346141 or equivalent to the front top of the engine block.
  6. Extend the adhesive bead 13 mm (0.50 in) onto each lower intake manifold gasket.

  7. Object Number: 26743  Size: SH
  8. Apply a 5 mm (0.197 in) bead of adhesive GM P/N 12346141 or equivalent to the rear top of the engine block.
  9. Extend the adhesive bead 13 mm (0.50 in) onto each lower intake manifold gasket.

  10. Object Number: 31510  Size: SH
  11. Install the lower intake manifold onto the engine block.
  12. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  13. If reusing the fasteners, apply threadlock GM P/N 12345382 or equivalent to the threads of the lower intake manifold bolts.
  14. Install the lower intake manifold bolts.

  15. Object Number: 188150  Size: SH

    Notice: Proper lower intake manifold fastener tightening sequence and torque is critical. Always follow the tightening sequence, and torque the intake manifold bolts using the 3 step method. Failing to do so may distort the crankshaft bearing bore alignment and cause damage to the crankshaft bearings.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  16. Tighten the lower intake manifold bolts.
  17. Tighten

    1. Tighten the bolts on the first pass in sequence (1-8) to 3 N·m (27 lb in).
    2. Tighten the bolts on the second pass in sequence (1-8) to 12 N·m (106 lb in).
    3. Tighten the bolts on the final pass in sequence (1-8) to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

    Object Number: 340090  Size: SH
  18. Position the power steering pump mounting bracket.
  19. Loosely install the power steering pump mounting bracket bolts and nuts.
  20. Install the nut for the power steering pump rear bracket at the front of the engine.
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the power steering pump mounting bracket bolts and the power steering pump rear bracket nuts to 41 N·m (30 lb ft).

  22. Install the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
  23. Install the fuel supply and return pipes to the rear of the intake manifold. Refer to Fuel Hose/Pipes Replacement - Engine Compartment in Engine Controls - 4.3L.

  24. Object Number: 334551  Size: SH

    Important: In order to install the distributor for the correct engine timing, position the engine to number one cylinder top dead center.

  25. Remove the spark plug for number one cylinder.
  26. Rotate the crankshaft until number one cylinder is in the compression stroke.
  27. Align the two reference marks on the crankshaft balancer (1) and (4) with the two alignment marks (2) and (3) on the front cover.
  28. Install the spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.
  29. Install the distributor. Refer to Distributor Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.
  30. Install the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.

  31. Object Number: 172995  Size: SH
  32. Install the PCV hose assembly to the intake manifold and the valve rocker arm cover.

  33. Object Number: 339439  Size: SH
  34. Install the accelerator cable and cruise control cable bracket to the throttle body.
  35. Tighten
    Tighten the accelerator cable and cruise control bracket nuts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).


    Object Number: 398027  Size: SH
  36. Install the accelerator cable bracket to the intake manifold and the throttle body.
  37. Tighten
    Tighten the accelerator cable bracket studs and nuts to 12 N·m (106 lb in).


    Object Number: 516898  Size: SH
  38. Position the engine wiring harness.
  39. Install the engine wiring harness clips in the brackets.
  40. Connect the following electrical connectors:
  41. • The idle air control (IAC) motor (3)
    • The throttle position (TP) sensor (2)
    • The A/C compressor cutoff switch, if equipped (5)
    • The A/C clutch switch, if equipped (1)
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor (4)

    Object Number: 516916  Size: SH
  42. Connect the following electrical connectors:
  43. • The fuel meter body assembly (1)
    • The EVAP canister purge solenoid valve (2)
    • The manifold air pressure (MAP) sensor (3)

    Object Number: 516938  Size: SH
  44. Connect the following electrical connectors:
  45. • The ignition coil (2)
    • The ignition control module (ICM) (1)
    • The generator (4)

    Object Number: 346148  Size: SH
  46. Connect the power brake booster vacuum hose.
  47. Connect the vacuum hose to the intake manifold, if equipped with A/C.

  48. Object Number: 182853  Size: SH
  49. Install the water pump inlet hose to the intake manifold.
  50. Install the heater hose to the intake manifold. Refer to Heater Inlet Hose Replacement and Heater Outlet Hose Replacement in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
  51. Install the radiator inlet hose to the thermostat housing. Refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  52. Install the cruise control cable, if equipped to the bracket and the throttle shaft. Refer to Cruise Control Cable Replacement in Cruise Control.

  53. Object Number: 325556  Size: SH
  54. Install the accelerator cable onto the throttle body.

  55. Object Number: 616716  Size: SH
  56. Wrap the cable in between the finger of the hook tab and the pulley wall. Make sure that the cable is fully seated in the pulley groove. The cable must not lie outside of the hook tab.

  57. Object Number: 616725  Size: SH
  58. Install the accelerator cable to the accelerator cable control bracket.

  59. Object Number: 616709  Size: SH
  60. Install the accelerator cable to the cable routing bracket.
  61. Notice: 

       • Handle the MAF sensor carefully.
       • Do not drop the MAF sensor in order to prevent damage to the MAF sensor.
       • Do not damage the screen located on the air inlet end of the MAF.
       • Do not touch the sensing elements.
       • Do not allow solvents and lubricants to come in contact with the sensing elements.
       • Use a small amount of a soap based solution in order to aid in the installation.


    Object Number: 424556  Size: SH
  62. Install air cleaner outlet duct to throttle body.
  63. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  64. Install air cleaner outlet duct to MAF sensor.
  65. Tighten
    Tighten the hose clamp to 4 N·m (32 lb in).


    Object Number: 10940  Size: SH
  66. Connect the IAT sensor harness connector.

  67. Object Number: 312278  Size: SH
  68. Install the air cleaner outlet duct retaining wingnut.
  69. Tighten
    Tighten the wingnut to 2 N·m (18 lb in).


    Object Number: 444792  Size: SH
  70. Connect the breather tube to the air cleaner outlet duct.
  71. Connect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  72. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.