The upper intake manifold is the component in the Ford Escape engine that funnels air from the air box and air tube into the lower intake manifold. The upper intake manifold must be removed when the spark plugs need to be replaced or if the upper intake manifold burns out and needs to be replaced.
Raise the hood of the Ford Escape. Locate the plastic engine appearance cover on top of the engine. Detach the cover by removing the three 8mm nuts that connect it to the valve cover studs.
Locate the hose clamps and air intake tube, near the windshield on the driver's side. The hose clamps connect the intake tube to the throttle body and air filter housing. Remove the clamps by pulling the breather hose out of the intake tube. Remove the intake tube.
Twist the cable housing and remove the throttle cable from the bracket. Pull on the cruise control cable on the throttle lever stud to remove it. Locate and squeeze the cruise control cable housing tabs and remove the cable from the bracket.
Locate the upper intake manifold and remove it by twisting off the brackets.
