z ya Posted March 12, 2003 Share Posted March 12, 2003 I just pulled my intake off because I had a small leak coming from the back side of it. Should I use the 1/4" blk RVT that I have been using? Or should I go back to the rubber or cork ends? I HATE leaks.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Want aZ Posted March 12, 2003 Share Posted March 12, 2003 Ive always used the neoprene gaskets on the ends of the block and used RTV Sealant in the corners to insure that I got no leaks, although I did use small bits of RTV to ensure that the gasket didnt move when dropping the intake in place... never have had a leak at either the front or the rear of the intake/block junction.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pparaska Posted March 12, 2003 Share Posted March 12, 2003 I'f less than 1/4" gap, RTV works great. Not too much, and make sure the surfaces are VERY clean and oil free. Carb cleaner on a rag! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted March 12, 2003 Share Posted March 12, 2003 I've never used a gasket on the ends of the intake (front or back), and have never had a leak. Put the intake on, and measure the gap. Then squeeze out some silicon bead a little fatter than the measured gap. Let it set up for a few minute and then bolt everything up. Leave it overnight before heat cycling it. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest the_dj Posted March 12, 2003 Share Posted March 12, 2003 I use gaskets with RTV on both sides. To clean the surfaces, there is nothing more wonderful than the 3M gasket remover pads for the drill. I was in heaven using those things. 5 minutes of easy work and EVERYTHING was polished to a shine w/o any material left over!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 clean BOTH the lower intake pads and the block rails then degrease with a rag damped with acetone,dimple both the block rails and lower manifold matching pads with a center punch several dozen times on each end and each surface, then degrease with the damp rag again , place a 1/4" thick bead on the lower intake surfaces (black RTV) then a 1/4" wide bead on the block rails , then carefully install the intake, the two beads will blend, let them dry inplace for at least 8hrs the little dimples add greatly to the holding ability of the RTV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fl327 Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 use the orange high heat stuff, it leaks less, and thats a hot surface to seal! an be generous with it as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 Grumpy's advice is spot on. I have had BAD luck with the blue, orange, and red sealers. Permatex Black is the only one I use anymore. For the gaskets themselves, I brush both sides of each with GM gasket sealing compound. Comes in a can with a brush from your friendly dealer. Makes good head bolt sealant as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greimann Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 I had this same question a year ago. We found a GM goodwrench RTV sealant that they use in the factory that is the most kickass sealant you can use. Please read this thread: http://www.hybridz.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2853&highlight=sealant+recommendation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fl327 Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 factory sealant is the best, i use MOPAR sealant on everything, got three tubes for free from my buddy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest the_dj Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 I used the Permatex Black like Mike C. Wonderful stuff and cheap from your neighborhood OReilly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pparaska Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 Is the factory sealant more difficult to clean off than the Black RTV? If it is and the regular Black RTV is good enough, I'd stick with it. Grumpy, thanks for that tip on the dimpling and a bead on both the manifold and block rails. Also, I put non-hardening permatex sealer only around the water passages on the side gaskets. I use a bit of grease elsewhere to keep them from sticking. I hate messy cleanups, especially in this area where you need to keep trash out of the valley. I mask all that off, but less trash is still better. Don't forget sealant of some kind on the intake manifold bolts. the center 2 on each side go into the crankcase area and can weep oil up the threads. The ones just adjacent to those near the center around the water passages go into the water jackets and can weep water/coolant. The most forward 2 and most rearward 2 are blind, no sealant needed, but doesn't hurt. Comments on what I might be doing wrong always appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nullbound Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 good info here. i use ultra blue in the same manner as Tim240Z described, using carb cleaner like pete p described and no gaskets on the front or back of the intake. i've never had leaks from rtv on the front or rear of the intake. front timing cover seals are another story... other than that, if you are using aluminum heads, be sure to retorque your intake bolts periodically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z ya Posted March 13, 2003 Author Share Posted March 13, 2003 Well its all put back together with BLK rvt sealant. I am going to let it set up for 48 hours to make sure its fully cured. I am praying to the car gods that I dont have another leak........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest zfan Posted March 15, 2003 Share Posted March 15, 2003 I prefer the RTV over the rubber gaskets. Rubber has leaked before for me! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.