Upper Intake

Mike Kauntz · Mar 8, 2017

I'm going to remove the valve covers on an 89 LX 5.0 to paint them. I've never removed the upper
intake and I'm just wondering how difficult it is and are there any little secrets I should be aware of. I know enough to cover the ports after removal and some of the bolts my be a little trying to get to, I'm just trying
to prevent doing something dumb which is usually how I learn.

Thanks; Mike

Mustang5L5 · Mar 8, 2017

You'll need the special torx bit to remove the cover plate, then it's 6 bolts plus removing the U-bracket on the rear of the intake (if never removed before). After that, just life the intake up and move it to the side and remove the valve cover you want to work on. No need to take it off

I'd replace the upper to lower gasket while there, and buy a set of the 1993 fel-pro reusable style steel valve cover gaskets vs messing with the cork stuff

Mike Kauntz · Mar 8, 2017

Mustang5L5 said:
You'll need the special torx bit to remove the cover plate, then it's 6 bolts plus removing the U-bracket on the rear of the intake (if never removed before). After that, just life the intake up and move it to the side and remove the valve cover you want to work on. No need to take it off

I'd replace the upper to lower gasket while there, and buy a set of the 1993 fel-pro reusable style steel valve cover gaskets vs messing with the cork stuff

So I need not disconnect the cables and hoses? I'm replacing all the gaskets and thanks for input about the valve cover gaskets.

Dart68 · Mar 8, 2017

Mike Kauntz said:
So I need not disconnect the cables and hoses? I'm replacing all the gaskets and thanks for input about the valve cover gaskets.

You should be able to move the upper far enough out of the way without having to disconnect any hoses. Just be careful not to damage them, especially if they are old. Old hoses tend to be brittle and can break. Watch out for the vacuum lines. Those sometimes break just because you looked at them!

You might have to disconnect the throttle/kickdown linkage.

Mustang5L5 · Mar 9, 2017

If all you want to do is take the valve covers off, you should be able to lift the intake up and get to them. Might have to disconnect 1-2 vac lines.

Of course, if you'd like to take it off to clean stuff up, it should be pretty straightforward at that point

mrobins26 · Mar 9, 2017

That U-bracket can be a pain since it is very difficult to see one end. The rear passenger side bolt on the upper intake is a stud that holds one end of the seemingly useless bracket... The other end disappears somewhere next to the hidden PCV valve. I recommend replacing the PCV valve and the PCV screen if you are going to take off the upper intake. I think I used a 6" socket extension dropped straight down back by firewall in between all the wiring harness and vacuum lines to get to that back bracket bolt. I used a long dry wall screw to get PCV screen out...

Mike Kauntz · Mar 9, 2017

Now all I need is warmer weather. I'll keep you nice people posted, thank you all for the advice.

Mustang5L5 · Mar 10, 2017

The rear intake U bracket seems to be a rare piece these days. I haven't seen one in years. If yours is still there, put it in a museum!

Mike Kauntz · Mar 25, 2017

Mustang5L5 said:
The rear intake U bracket seems to be a rare piece these days. I haven't seen one in years. If yours is still there, put it in a museum!

Hahaha My brother hot tested 5.0's for Ford for decades and he didn't even know what it was for.

Upper Intake

Mike Kauntz

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