308 GTSi intake plenum & fuel line removal @ injectors

I’m probably making more out of this than necessary, but I want to know what I’m getting into before creating more problems.

I’m removing the intake plenum to repair a coolant leak. I was able to get all the plenum stud nuts loose except for the 2 middle ones at the front (firewall side). Access is hampered by the fuel lines as they connect to the injectors.

I can see through the rear glass that the fuel lines curve right in front of the studs/nuts. It seems like disconnecting the lines at those 2 injectors and bending them out of the way would give the access I need.

Would this be advisable? The injectors were all replaced 2 years ago, so I’d hope that disconnecting them now wouldn’t be too tough. Are they just flare fittings, or are there seals I’d need to replace when removing the lines? Is ‘snug’ good enough, or is there a recommend torque?

Thanks in advance.
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First of all, mad respect for anyone who does this for a living and/or is proficient at these types of tasks. My hands don’t fit, my eyes can’t see, and most of my tools don’t fit. I can’t imagine how tough a real repair would be on this car.

I gave up on removing the fuel lines because as I turned the flare nuts the lines started to turn with them. I tried to hold the lines stationary while turning the nuts and they still moved. I ended up just bending the lines slightly to squeeze a wrench in there. Slid cardboard under the gaskets to guard against the metal spacers falling into the intake runners, but the spacers stayed with the gaskets. Endoscope helped me find the 2 washers and 1 nut I dropped in the valley, retrieved with a magnet.

Next question: do the rubber plenum gaskets need to be replaced? They’re still pliable and appear to be in good condition (flat, no cracks or nicks). While I don’t want to have to pull the plenum off to chase vacuum leaks, I also don’t want to replace the gaskets if not necessary.

 

Only on the line nut. Doh! I didn’t notice the injector nut turning, but I can’t be sure I would have. I’ll have another go at it and hold the injector. Thanks!

 

Yes, I’m an idiot.

The injectors were turning. I was able to secure them with one wrench and loosen the flare fitting with the other. Hopefully I didn’t damage the lines by twisting them.

Thanks so much for your reply!