Changing intake manifold gasket on 5.3L Flex Fuel

[flainn]

Hi folks, I have a 2004 Tahoe, 5.3 flex fuel engine.

I need to replace my intake manifold gasket. Keeps running lean, throwing CEL, etc.

The challenge is unhooking the injectors. They have this "Connector Position Assurance" locking mechanism that I've read about, but I haven't been able to find any good instructions (or, better yet, an illustration) about how to undo them.

Does anyone have any advice for how you unlock these things? I couldn't get very far on the job the other afternoon, because I couldn't get a single injector unhooked.

Thanks!

 

[yukondoit]

I used a small flat head screwdriver to get in there but they're a pain in the ass to remove. I did the same repair about 2 years

 

[nuc_meltdown]

Be very careful. Those wires will break easily. Broke one on my Silverado and had to re wire it. Just take your time. Once you figure out the first one, the rest are easy.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

The grey clips just slide upward. I just rip them out and throw them away

 

[flainn]

Thank you for the advice, guys. I'll give it another shot.

 

[Goodinblack]

At how many miles is this usually done?

 

[nuc_meltdown]

At how many miles is this usually done?

There is not a time limit or mileage limit set. Replace them if they need replacing. The knock sensors are under the intake and some people replace them while they are there, but I didn't. Also, if you for some reason have to remove the heads then I would get the kit and replace all the gaskets from the heads up. It's not a hard job, just take your time, pay attention and enjoy laying/sitting in uncomfortable positions for a while. lol!