Intake gasket

[John S]

Need to change intake gasket. The way I was going to do it is to not use any spray adhesive such as copper coat or high tack on the gaskets. I was going to put a thin coat of RTV around the coolant ports and I was going to use a 1/4” bead of RTV along the front and rear walls of the intake instead of the rubber seals that are provided. Tell me if that’s correct or what way would you suggest.

John S

[Dtret]

That’s what I do. Make sure you get a good bead at the corners where the intake gasket would meet the end seals. And make sure all sealing surfaces are wiped down super clean, brake cleaner works good. And let the rtv set up a bit so its tacky 

[72 Monte Carlo]

If you use the supplied rubber end seals, they will leak at some point in time. 

I do the same thing as Dennis said above, and I've never had a problem with any intake leaks.

[John S]

All right, thank you. Good to know I got that right. One last thing is it necessary to put some thread sealant on the four Center bolts of the intake on each side to prevent oil coming up through the threads and getting on the intake?

[Scott S.]

Personally, I like thread sealant on all the bolts. I've even used it on plug bolts in the aluminum intake and heads, just in case one might have been drilled to deep. 

 

[John S]

When I paint the intake manifold is it necessary to prime it first or paint right over the cast?

John S 

[420ponies]

On the intake, I like to use etching primer 1st, gives the paint something to hold onto. It doesn't need high heat style either. You can also use this on your thermostat housing.