# DIY Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [August 8, 2011, 2:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diy-intake-manifold-gasket-replacement/66946 "2011-08-08T14:11:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mike76](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d6d6ee/32.png) [@mike76](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mike76)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 2:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diy-intake-manifold-gasket-replacement/66946/1 "2011-08-08T14:11:23Z")
My mechanic tells me I need the intake manifold gasket replaced (check engine light on, engine surging, running very rough). I’m broke and it’s a $20 part. How much damage can I do to the car by doing this repair myself and screwing it up? I’ve done lots of repairs on my car before – brake pads, rotors, replace oil pan. I also have a copy of the manufacturer’s shop manual. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 2:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diy-intake-manifold-gasket-replacement/66946/2 "2011-08-08T14:12:17Z")
make/model/year/miles/engine/transmission? ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 3:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diy-intake-manifold-gasket-replacement/66946/3 "2011-08-08T15:38:04Z")
Depending on the vehicle…Some are harder to do then others. The hardest part on a modern engine is just getting to the manifold…You may have to remove a lot of parts just to get to it. If you’re going to do it yourself and unsure…then I suggest you take out your cellphone or digital camera and take pictures each step of the tear-down process. That will make things easier when you have to reassemble.