2002 Grand Am lower intake manifold gasket replacement

I’m replacing the lower intake manifold gasket & I am at the point of removing the fuel injection rails & injectors. The service manual says to remove the rail mounting screws & just lift the rails with the injectors attached out as a set. I tried to do that, but it’s not coming out easily & I do not want to pry it for fear of damage. Should the injectors be disconnected from the rail & removed separately? I’m not sure how the injectors are mounted to the lower intake, are they just slipped on or are they treaded? If they are slipped on, maybe I could just wiggle the injectors loose while lifting on the rail.. Any help would be appreciated.

Gary

Welcome to AF!!

You don't say what size engine you have in your car but if you can get to all the intake manifold bolts leave the injectors and the rails in place. There is actually no need to remove them unless they are mounted in the head but most are located in the intake manifold itself.

If they are mounted in the head then remove the fuel rails first and then each injector should come out fairly easily. They will usually come out by grabbing them and twisting slightly. I suggest that you get a new set of O-rings and replace them before reinstallation. Also coat each o-ring with vaseline before installing the injector as this will enable them to go in easier.

The motor is a 3.4 litre. I am folowing the service manual instructions & did not think of just leaving the injectors in. I will check to see if I can get to all of the bolts first. Thanks.

yea as long as you disconnect the fuel rail attatched to them I think you should be good just leaving them in place

I can get to all of the lower intake bolts, no need to remove the injector or the rail. Thanks for the tip, it saved me time & worries,

I know I tried to avoid removing the fuel injectors, but since I’m right there should I remove & clean them? The vehicle has 125,000 miles, seems to run ok, but I’m not sure if I need to clean the injectors or not. If cleaning needed, what is involved in cleaning?

Don't bother, there really isn't any way to clean them other than just wiping them off. A good bottle of fuel injector cleaner will do more good with much less hastle.

I’m replacing the lower intake manifold gasket & I am at the point of removing the fuel injection rails & injectors. The service manual says to remove the rail mounting screws & just lift the rails with the injectors attached out as a set. I tried to do that, but it’s not coming out easily & I do not want to pry it for fear of damage. Should the injectors be disconnected from the rail & removed separately? I’m not sure how the injectors are mounted to the lower intake, are they just slipped on or are they treaded? If they are slipped on, maybe I could just wiggle the injectors loose while lifting on the rail.. Any help would be appreciated.

Gary

what book are you using? I need to know how to do that my self. i got a 2002 se1 with the gasket leaking, and the usuall problems, slightly rough ideling, jummping 500 rpms.:grinyes:

my email sgwan@earthlink.net please send any info you got, thanks!

Zack