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. Also, will I need to use gasket sealant on the intake manifold gaskets? I also got a new bolt kit for the car, it's a stainless steel hex bolt kit... will these be good enough for the intake manifold? thanks in advance

Fred

 

As for cleaning the threads you need a 3/8 - 16 tap. CAREFULLY run the tap through all the dirty holes, even if it's all of them. Clean threads make reassembly a breeze.

Yeah you want to use thread sealant on the bolts, it keeps oil from creeping up the threads and pooling on the intake. Teflon thread sealing paste is what you want to use. Whatever you do, don't use silicone, has a nasty habit of stripping threads.

I'm in the habit of putting a thin ring of RTV around the water outlets in the head to glue the gasket in place. You also want to use a thick bead of RTV along the ends.

 

It also walks up the threads when assembling & ends up not sealing very well, not to mention small pieces breaking off & getting in places you dont want.


Make sure you let the RTV on the ends cure for about 15 mins before assembly.

 

Make sure it is a bottoming tap, the kind that is flat on the end.

 

To seal the bolts use Permatex thread sealer with teflon, do not use regular pipe thread sealer with teflon (won't work).