Intake gasket

[mudbog42]

Ok figured I would ask since this is going to be my 3rd time replacing this intake manifold gasket.

Here goes, got an edlebrock performer last year and now the gasket blew out, just put a new one, and now have to take it back off, because that stupid rubber gasket that goes on the block slid halfway inside the valley.

The same thing happened the first time I did the manifold last year and had to put it on twice.

My question is can I just use RTV on the valley ends instead of those rubber seals and do I need to use any RTV on the main gaskets. Also what kind of gaskets do you guys recommend so I won't be replacing them again next year. I've been using the felpro ones they sell at the parts store.

Oh yeah 86 w/ 350

 

[dremu]

Search and you will find...

1. throw away the rubber seals.

2. use the paper gaskets on the side. Dry.

3. use a 3/8" bead of RTV on front and back, slightly overlapping the paper gasket.

(And for Scott, I'll be sure to use my ballpeen hammer )

-- A

 

[adamforsythe]

I believe your talking about the front and back of the intake. To tell you the truth people that build engines or about half 99% of the people in this thread junk the rubber gasket and use RTV.
Thanks
Adam

Ok figured I would ask since this is going to be my 3rd time replacing this intake manifold gasket.

Here goes, got an edlebrock performer last year and now the gasket blew out, just put a new one, and now have to take it back off, because that stupid rubber gasket that goes on the block slid halfway inside the valley.

The same thing happened the first time I did the manifold last year and had to put it on twice.

My question is can I just use RTV on the valley ends instead of those rubber seals and do I need to use any RTV on the main gaskets. Also what kind of gaskets do you guys recommend so I won't be replacing them again next year. I've been using the felpro ones they sell at the parts store.

Oh yeah 86 w/ 350

 

[4X4HIGH]

Use Felpro gaskets. I put a couple small dabs of RTV on the side gaskets to hold them in place then use a 3/8" bead of ultra black RTV on the ends. Just be carefull putting the intake down so that you make sure the bolt holes are lined up the first time otherwise once the manifold touches the RTV it's going to get messy if you have to pick it up to move it. Make sure you torque the intake bolts to 25lbs. and go over all the bolts until they don't torque any further. (usually takes about 6 times around to get them where they need to be)
(And for Scott, I'll be sure to use my ballpeen hammer )

Aaron, you and Greg will NEVER forget the ballpeen hammer issue will you.

 

[mudbog42]

Cool

Thanks, I just got the manifold off again and will not be using those stupid rubber gaskets.

Will I be Ok to use the felpro gaskets from the parts store or are there better gaskets out there

 

[mosesburb]

I will never use a set of blue coated Fel Pro gaskets again. I installed 3 sets of them in a typical TBI motor and every set leaked coolant. I got fed up and ordered a set from the dealer, installed them and 14yrs later they are still dry. I have also had coolant seepage from their head gaskets. I do/will use any paper or rubber gaskets from Fel Pro, but not their gaskets with the slick coating. FYI GM uses Victor Reinz gaskets. They differ from VR aftermarket gaskets in they do not have the black coating that the aftermarket gaskets have, but I have not had a problem with either. If you go to Edelbrock's site (here) and read their installation tips, you will find this: Recommended intake gasket: GM #10159409. Years ago, they stated flat out, do not use Fel Pro blue gaskets, but now they just give the GM number. The last set of gaskets I got from GM didn't even have the rubber ends in the kit.

 

[mudbog42]

I will probably go the GM then, but what about the edelbrock gaskets, I seen they recommended this gasket, (#7201)http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/gaskets/individual_intake.shtml

 

[4X4HIGH]

If i'm not mistaken the #7201 is a Felpro gasket.

EDIT: you want either a Felpro #1204 (no heat crossover) or #1256 (with heat crossover)

 

[mosesburb]

If i'm not mistaken the #7201 is a Felpro gasket.

EDIT: you want either a Felpro #1204 (no heat crossover) or #1256 (with heat crossover)

Those are Fel Pro performance gaskets and Edelberock does spec them for some applications. Their performance gasket line does not have the blue coating on them.

 

[dremu]

Dangit, I forgot the lecture on torque and sequence ... sorry, Scott.

And the ballpeen thing is just funny ... been using it tons these last few weeks as I build my DVD-R autochanger machine.

-- A