I installed an accel high flow base a couple of months ago with poor results. Tore it back down and found water had made it's way into the cylinders. I torqued the bolts to the specs but did not use any rtv or sealer on the gaskets. I checked the manifold with a straight edge and the manifold is straight. Should I use some type of sealer this time and maybe go over the torque specs a few lbs?
Thanks

 

I didn't use any sealer on the gaskets,(some say to do it some say don't ) But I did put a good helping of thread sealer on all the intake bolts.(I had water like you) And I wouldn't go over the torque specs. I don't have any leaks now.
You did remember to use RTV Black on the front and rear of the intake right?

 

You didn't mention it, but make sure you torque the manifold in sequence as well. It couldnt hurt to put a little RTV around the water passages... Just sayin'

 

I use felpro paper gaskest and a very thin layer of TFE pipe paste around waterjackets and black permetex sensor safe RTV on the front an rear china walls..

 

Always put alittle RTV around the water jackets and a healthy coating on the front/rear china walls, especially at the corners where they met the heads.

I used RightStuff for the entire intake gasket before with great success. Put a good bead all round each port and down the intake face between ports and it seals great. Let it set up for a few minutes before installing manifold and torquing to spec.

Always torque in proper sequence as well!

 

like orr89rocz said..... i always put a bead of sealant on the front and back of the block... SBC are know to leak there..... i also put a small amount around the gasket bolt holes and put thread sealant on the bolts to make sure nothing comes up through the bolts..... make sure you get the sealant thats instant (it cost more but worth it) and not the one that takes 24 hours to cure....