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Upper Intake Manifold Stuck

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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 02:33 PM
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Upper Intake Manifold Stuck

Hey guys,
I'm having some real trouble removing the upper intake from my '93 302 EFI. I have removed all 6 bolts, and I still can't get the thing off. Some fool decided to use RTV the last time it was apart, and I now cannot pry the thing off. I have tried using a rubber mallet to loosen things up, a pry bar + 2x4, and I even ran the engine for a while with all of the bolts out to see if the heat would loosen things up.
Does anyone have any other ideas? - I need to get the darn thing off so I can change the injectors.
Thanks!
Jack.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 02:41 PM
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Maybe a torch around the perimeter? How long was the 2x4? I would think with about a 6' long one going in under the upper from the passenger side and prying up it would break loose, maybe you've already done that but I can't imagine RTV being able to when that battle.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by chesster51
Maybe a torch around the perimeter? How long was the 2x4? I would think with about a 6' long one going in under the upper from the passenger side and prying up it would break loose, maybe you've already done that but I can't imagine RTV being able to when that battle.
I used a small 2x4, and was bending my solid iron prybar lol. I'm about to go outside and try the long 2x4 + torch idea. I will update shortly.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 02:48 PM
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If there's room, turn the 2x4 so the 3.5" side is vertical.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by chesster51
If there's room, turn the 2x4 so the 3.5" side is vertical.
There's really limited room for a 2x4. I managed to get the throttle body off of the intake with the torch, baby sledge, and a brass rod. There's not really room to torch the upper intake itself, so I've just been going at it with the sledge and brass rod. Hopefully I don't crack the thing but honestly I don't even care if it gets it off.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 03:39 PM
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I doubt you missed it… only double checking that you removed the support bracket on the passenger side.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks
I doubt you missed it… only double checking that you removed the support bracket on the passenger side.
I hope that's not the problem!

 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by chesster51
I hope that's not the problem!
I removed it all. I should have mentioned that I was the fool who used RTV, so I was already familiar with the removal process . I finally got the thing out after beating the crap out of it. Now, though, one of the damn injectors is stuck. This project has been quite the pita.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 05:54 PM
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Note: for self preservation, use half as much, RTV, if any at all, this time, on upper.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by torq'ta 5 8
Note: for self preservation, use half as much, RTV, if any at all, this time, on upper.
No kidding lol
 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by torq'ta 5 8
Note: for self preservation, use half as much, RTV, if any at all, this time, on upper.
I install the plenum gasket clean and dry. No problems.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 07:48 PM
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Agreed, my almost 30yr, hasn't started cracking,
 
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Old Jul 14, 2022 | 08:35 PM
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I would be afraid that RTV could break off and make its way to the valves and cylinders.
 
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Old Jul 15, 2022 | 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks
I would be afraid that RTV could break off and make its way to the valves and cylinders.
I've never had any issues using it over the years, most 4 bbl intakes call for it on the China walls anyways. Clearly less is more, though.
 
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Old Jul 15, 2022 | 12:32 PM
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As mentioned, the upper/lower gasket should be completely dry.

If the gasket moving during installation is a problem, whack the heads off a couple 5/16 bolts to use for alignment studs.
 
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