3FE Air Manifold Question

[Cruiserhaven]

To remove the air manifold (92' 3FE), does this "L" shaped metal strip need to be removed first?
It seems to be preventing me from removing the rail pipe, but looks like it would be a PITA to get off, so I don't want to go there if I don't have to...

TIA

 

[USMCDocJ]

When I did mine I did not pull that piece. Time and patience prevailed that day.

 

[Cruiserhaven]

When I did mine I did not pull that piece. Time and patience prevailed that day.

Thanks. I took another go at it and was able to extract the air rail without removing the metal shield. Making sure I supported both ends of the rail while extracting seemed to make the difference.

Thanks again.