Repair 7

How to Remove the Vortex 4 3 Intake Manifold

Vortec engines have a swirl port in their combustion chambers, which allows the fuel and air to mix more readily. General Motors has manufactured the six-cylinder 4.3-liter Vortec engines since 1985, primarily for use in light Chevrolet trucks made before 1995. The intake manifold is the part of the engine, and delivers the fuel/air mixture to the cylinders. The procedure for removing the intake manifold is similar for all full-size Chevrolet trucks made from 1988 to 1995.

Instructions

1

Remove the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Drain the coolant in the radiator into a container, and seal the container for later use.

2

Disconnect the air cleaner and the distributor with a socket wrench. Detach the cables for the cruise control and accelerator from their respective brackets.

3

Remove the bracket for the air compressor, alternator and idler pulley from the intake manifold with a socket wrench. Detach the electrical wiring and vacuum lines from the intake manifold. Disconnect the exhaust gas recirculation valve, if your vehicle is so equipped. Remove the fuel line from the intake manifold.

4

Detach the heater pipe and upper radiator hose from the radiator. Disconnect the vacuum lines for the power brakes and exhaust gas recirculation valve, if your vehicle is so equipped. Disconnect the electrical wiring from the ignition coil.

5

Disconnect any remaining brackets and sensors from the right side of the intake manifold. Detach the electrical wiring harness on the right side of the intake manifold and push it out of your way. Remove the mounting bolts from the intake manifold with a socket wrench. Detach the intake manifold and its gaskets from the engine.