Intake manifold gasket replacement

1999 GMC Yukon. What absolutely has to be removed to replace the intake manifold gasket? Any easy way to get to the right side engine block coolant drain plug?

1999 GMC Yukon. What absolutely has to be removed to replace the intake manifold gasket? Any easy way to get to the right side engine block coolant drain plug?

You will need to un bolt the A/C compressor and swing it out of the way,
The distibutor must come out and at least one valve cover (I pull off both..makes it easier to reassemble)
the A/C bracket will have to be unbolted and pulled forward.
As far as draining the coolant, just use the radiator drain..that will lower the level enough to remove the manifold.

Any easy way to get to the right side engine block coolant drain plug?


I did this job and drained the block. Like Merlin says you can just drain the radiator for a quick and dirty job.....

But the coolant needs to be 50/50 exact and topped up all the way to perform correctly. If you have 50/50 from factory or you did this previously, then in theory you have 50/50 anywhere in the system but whatever sits in the block is old. Yes, you can add more 50/50 but now your mixing new into old. Coolant is relatively inexpensive and you need insurance. Draining the block AND radiator enables you to guarantee yourself that your running 100% fresh 50/50 Dexcool.

If your as anal as me, you also go buy 3 gals of distilled water (big cost of 50 cents each) to mix the 5-6 gallons you'll need. I bought a big 6 gallon water container to pre-mix my coolant completely before refilling the engine. System takes 5 gallons US.

Drain plug not real hard to get to but you do have to lay on your back and get up under the engine, if your so inclined! It was easier to get to the block drain nut than to reach the radiator drain which for me always shreds a couple of layers of skin trying to turn it.