Intake manifold: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace intake manifold

Manufacturers do not limit operational lifetime of this car part by certain terms. Replacement of the component is performed at its deformation and in case of appearance of cracks on it, holes or other mechanical damages, leading to violation of unit hermeticity.

The part can deform due to continuous influence of high temperature, for instance, at breakdowns in the cooling system. Appearance of cracks on the part can be caused by engine vibrations. Moreover, damages and displacement of the manifold are the common result of the improper installation.

Defectiveness of the component will be indicated by the following signs: lowering of power and unstable rpm of the engine, increased fuel consumption, worsening of acceleration dynamics and motor vibration at idle run. In addition, breakage of the intake manifold can come with humming sound from the operating engine.

Replacement of the part should be performed at a service station. This procedure presupposes work with car electronics, which requires special knowledge. In particular, you will need to demount the throttle sensor, in some cases – the fuel injectors. Replacement of the gaskets is performed during installation of a new components in order to assure hermeticity of the unit. Moreover, it is recommended to clean the throttle – so that you will prolong its operational lifetime.

How to select intake manifold

Durable vibration- and heat-resistant materials are used for manufacturing of these car parts. Thus, the manifolds can be made of aluminum, cast iron and steel. The parts made of composite materials are the most popular.

According to construction the components are divided into two groups: single-plane and dual-plane. The single-plane ones have a chamber, through which fuel-air mixture is supplied together with the whole flow into all the cylinders. In the dual-plane components mixture flows through two channels. The dual-plane manifolds are most common, as their construction allows to increase engine power at low and medium rpms, also ensuring fuel economy and reducing toxicity of exhaust gases.

Thus, there are intake variable-length manifolds, with turbocharger, with the direct fuel injection system, with exhaust gases control valves (EGR). Presence of any system noted above allows to increase engine power.

In order to make the car part function faultlessly during a continuous time period, you should purchase reliable manufacturers production. High-quality intake manifolds are presented in the assortment of Bosch, Vaico, Metzger, Pierburg and other brands.

The component should be selected in accordance with the type, capacity and power of the engine. A type of the idle air control valve installed is the important selection criterion. Apart from this, you need to pay attention to total volume of the manifold, receiver, and diameter and length of the pipes, coming from the receiver to the cylinder block.