While changing the 4 easy plugs, I thought I'd try to remove the upper intake to get at the rear center and drivers side plugs. I loosened the bolts/ nuts on the tubes around the injector fuel rail but it didn't budge. What am I missing?

I did find something on the rear of the intake behind the throttle body and took off the nut there as well, but still couldn't move it.

Is it possibly stuck on w/ some gasket material? Do I need to pry it off? Hate to mess up the plastic intake of course!

Any tips?

 

I forgot to add this is a 2002 ES300. Thanks.

 

Has no one removed their intake upper? I was hoping for some info in case my arms aren't thin enough to rear the center and drivers side rear plugs this weekend after messing with removing throttle body attachments....

 

I managed to get the rear center and drivers' side plug by removing the air intake/ mass air meter and throttle body.

Watch out the upper intake by the throttle body on mine was razor sharp plastic. I have the lacerations to prove it!

What a hassle to change rear plugs. My '98 Avalon was FAR easier w/ nothing removed.

No idea still why upper would not come off a few weeks ago....

 

idk how different it is for 02's+ , i got a 00 es , just removed intake hose, or throttle body to get easier access, and if not there are ground wires connected to the left and rear of the upper intake manifold, i also had to remove to fuel rails/injectors just to remove manifold, dont forget u need to pull the efi fuse to loosen the fuel pressure