well, I'm finsihed cleaning off my intake manifold gaskets. they were leaking again for the second time because i didn't clean off the old gaskets well enough the first time they started leaking. I'm about ready to put the manifold back on tonight. Before I do, I have some questions so that I get it right this time...

First off, how do you effectively clean out the bolt holes for the intake manifold on the cylinder heads? There's a lot of stuff in there. Also, should I use thread sealant on the threads? If so, what type should I use? I have high temp thread sealant already. thanks in advance

Fred

 

Oh, I also forgot to ask, should I use gasket selant on the intake manifold gaskets at all? Or should I just use it around the coolant passage holes? Thanks again

Fred

 

When I install intake gaskets I only put silicone on the front and back walls of the block up until it hits the bottom of the gaskets. I don't know how you'd clean out the holes other than spraying compressed air inside to shoot whatever crap is in there. If the threads are fine I just leave them alone. You can clean the threads up with something you buy at a hardware store, I forget the name right now. Something simple though. I use red or blue thread sealer on the bolts. Make sure yours are the right length or you'll end up helicoiling the heads. If the bolts are hex caps they're fine, but if they are those crappy ones with an indented hex hole throw them away.

 

follow the gasket manufacturers instructions. been in the same boat as you. you might want to try fel-pro printoseal gaskets. don't forget proper torque sequence and torque specs.

 

I use RTV black not only on the water passages & front/back of the intake, but also a thin coat around the intake runners(both sides).
I mostly do this to help with port matching. I basicly glue the gaskets on the heads with the intake on top -for wieght, then after there dry I remove the intake, and apply a coat to the top of the gasket & line up my indexing marks to my intake and bolt it in place. I also apply RTV on the bolts threads.

I think edelbrock recommands using RTV on the water passages, and there own gasket tech? sealer around the intake runners.

Ron