2004 Dodge Intrepid Removing upper Air Intake Manifold

2004 DODGE INTREPID
163,000 MILES • 3.5L • V6 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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DTC2004
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I'm removing the upper Air Intake Manifold in order to check for damage to the gasket/manifold and or fluid in the hoses/connectors. I've got everything disconnected that the FSM calls for but I cannot find the fastener which holds the throttle body onto the support bracket (Step "8" of the upper manifold removal procedure states to loosen this fastener to free the throttle body from its support bracket). The only fastener I could find is the star-drive bolt which appears to hold the throttle arm linkage assembly together. The rest of the manifold is free except for something (presumably the fastener) firmly holding the throttle body section of the manifold in place. But I just can't see back behind the throttle (back end of the manifold) to see what is still hung up.

Can anyone help me locate the fastener I need to loosen? Thanks.
Jan 22, 2014 at 4:21 PM
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HMAC300
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I think these are the ones they are talking about. see pics.
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Jan 23, 2014 at 7:02 AM
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DTC2004
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Hmac300 -- Thanks for getting back to me. Yeah I did get all of those attachments already (they are steps 6 and 7 in the FSM that I'm using). Step 8 is the one I can't find (it is not represented in any of those pictures) and it is definitely something that is holding the throttle body to the back of the engine block. Step 8 reads: "Loosen upper fastener attaching throttle body to support bracket." I just can't get my head back in there to see anything, but if I knew roughly where/what it is I could maybe just feel around for it.
Jan 23, 2014 at 7:28 AM
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HMAC300
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this is all they show are yo sure it is not the center one in pic 3?
Jan 23, 2014 at 7:29 AM
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DTC2004
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I'm positive...the middle support in picture 3 holds the "manifold tuning valve" (the MTV is mounted to the front of the upper manifold) to the front of the engine block. The front side of the manifold is completely free as I am able to lift it several inches off of the lower manifold. What I am dealing with is the backside of the engine block/intake manifold where the throttle body is.
Jan 23, 2014 at 7:39 AM
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HMAC300
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ya I know but that is all we are shown in our manualshere. ya know a mirro works great for small places to see where it is hooked. looking around I got a pic of throttle body and maybe the one in this pic is the one that is the problem.
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Jan 23, 2014 at 7:52 AM
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DTC2004
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Thank you for finding that picture...I think that arrow is pointing to what I was looking for. Unfortunately I don't have a clue yet how I am going to get that thing off. I can only get one finger on it so getting any kind of tool on it is going to be a miracle. Man do I want to strangle the people who thought that was a good design.
Jan 23, 2014 at 8:13 AM
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HMAC300
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they design for assembly which the engine is assembled when put in car. good luck
Jan 23, 2014 at 8:14 AM
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DTC2004
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Okay, miracle upon miracle I got the fastener off and the upper manifold is now free. Couple more quick questions...there isn't supposed to be any oil in the upper manifold is there? If there is oil there, does that mean I have an oil leak into the manifold? If so, what could be the culprit?
Jan 23, 2014 at 8:42 AM
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HMAC300
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you get oil in manifold because the breather form engine goes into air going into engine. it's normal. that is why you get a sticky throttle plate a lot of times so clean that while you have it available
Jan 23, 2014 at 9:29 AM