How to Install an Intake Manifold on a Spitfire
In 1962, British automobile manufacturer Triumph released the Spitfire, a convertible model with a two-seat interior design. Throughout the 18 years of this vehicle's production life, standard engines varied from 1.2-liter to 1.5-liter four-cylinder. The wheelbase of this two-seater was only 83 inches. The car was aimed to compete with other British autos, such as the Austin-Healey Sprite. Over time, your classic car is going to need maintenance to ensure clean performance. Replacing the intake manifold gasket can prevent leaks and improve performance in your engine.
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Instructions
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Removal
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1
Unscrew the bolt that holds the negative connection of the car's battery in place with the necessary wrench. Move the negative cable out of the way so that it does not touch any metal parts of the engine. Electrical current must be halted before proceeding with any engine maintenance to ensure a safe environment.
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2
Place an empty container underneath the Spitfire's radiator. Twist off the radiator filler cap to allow the engine coolant to flow more easily. Pull the drain plug out of the hole at the bottom of the radiator with your hand and allow all of the engine coolant to drain into the empty container. Replace the drain plug when all of the coolant has emptied, but leave the radiator filler cap off.
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3
Remove the oil cap and pull the tube out from the engine's cover. Unscrew the bolts that hold the engine cover to expose the intake manifold.
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4
Label all of the electrical wiring and vacuum hoses that attach to the intake manifold of your Spitfire. Disconnect the wiring carefully from the alternator and distributor with a Phillips head screwdriver. Pull the hoses from their connections with a pair of pliers. Unfasten the air filter housing unit and remove it from the engine, setting it aside for later use.
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5
Unscrew the bolts that hold the intake manifold to the engine block. Lift this intake manifold off the engine block and dispose of it. Pry the manifold gasket from the engine block with a flat head screwdriver. Remove the old manifold gasket carefully so you do not spill any dirt or debris into the cylinder ports.
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6
Stuff the exposed cylinder ports with rags to protect this area during cleaning. Scrape any grime or build-up from the engine block thoroughly for new gasket installation. Apply engine degreaser to the surface with a linen cloth to finish cleaning this area.
Installation
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7
Apply a coating of gasket sealant to the top and bottom of the new manifold gasket. Position the new gasket so that the holes align with the engine block.
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8
Position the old intake manifold on top of the newly-installed gasket. Tighten each of the bolts with a torque wrench, a little bit at a time, until all bolts have been secured to 22 foot-pounds of torque.
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9
Reconnect all of the hoses, electrical wiring and parts that were removed to access the intake manifold of your Spitfire.
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10
Pour the engine coolant back into the engine's radiator and replace the filler cap.
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11
Attach the negative connection to the battery with the provided bolt to restore electrical current.
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