I have done this now twice and it leaks worse now than ever. I think I know what I did wrong but wanted to see if any of you guys had any tips. As far as getting the intake off, piece of cake, I have no problem with that. Putting it back together is the same, easy, but for some reason, I cant get the RTV sealant to set/seal so it still leaks. The first time I let it set for exactly 24 hours and this last time it sat for almost 30 hours. The only thing that I can think of that I am doing wrong is that I might not be putting the intake back down straight(have to slide it around to get the bolt wholes to line up). Im doing it by myself so that part is hard. I tried the pencil thing but I couldnt get it to work by myself. I guess I need some help for that part. Also, for the sealant on the back, how much do you use? I am about to unload a tube and see what that does. The past times I have been relativly generous with it but without going overboard. I have also been using the hi-temp copper stuff. Im lost. Thanks for any help.

Bo

 

I think the biggest problem that is causing the intake leak is that bolt in the back. I used a ton of RTV around it and it worked fine.
The other thing is to start tightening the bolts from the center of the intake and outwards. A little bit at a time, or otherwise the seal will be uneven and it will soon leak again.
Also, it is a good idea to check the bolts and retighten if necessary a few days or maybe a week after the fix. Wouldn't hurt to recheck once again a couple of weeks later either.

 

What do you mean about the bolt in the back? The back 2 bolts on holding the intake down? If so, Ill hose them down with the RTV and hopefully that will do the trick.

Do I need to baby the car around(break in) for a while after the fix or is it good to go. I am trying to make a video and need the car on Sunday but I would rather sit out and let the car "heal" if that is the case.

Thanks
Bo

 

No no, there's a bolt screwed on top of the block wall in the back of the intake, towards the driver side.
If it started leaking again, I'd try retightening all the bolts but if it still leaks after this, then you'll have to do it again...

 

Is that were the lip of the intake manifold gets really thin? Does it have a square head? If so, I know what you are talking about but have never messed with it. Otherwise I dont think I have seen what you are talking about. Thanks again.

Bo

 

Yes, this is what I'm talking about:

Pic 1
Pic 2

 

Here's how I got mine on without smearing the RTV. I cut a rubber hose into 4 pieces, each about a foot long. I put 2 on the left and 2 on the right, with their bottoms in the lifter valley, and their tops sticking up, next to the rocker arms. Then I applied the RTV, and then I set the intake in place, but the hoses got pinched, right where the intake gaskets are, and kept the intake from sitting down all the way. Then you can position it, and start the one bolt on the driver's side that has a slot cut in it. (is that why it's made like that?). Once it's aligned just carefully slip the hoses out from under it and it'll sit right into place. Then I finger tightened all the bolts and let the RTV dry. The next day I torqued them and it compressed the RTV nicely. Good Luck!

 

Madwolf, thanks for the pics. I know what you are talking about now.
Mikey, your tip makes alot of sence. I think Im gonna try it out, Thanks alot guys. Ill let you know how it turns out tomorrow.

Bo

 

I didn't post the links right and both were showing the same pic, now the 2nd pic is different... I'm sure it won't help a lot, but at least you can probably tell I wasn't to shy about using tons of RTV...

 

Yea, I noticed that but knew what you were talking about from pic1. Thanks again!!!

 

When I did my intake leak I used a product by Perma Tex called "The Right Stuff". This stuff sets up real stiff and not as soft as RTV. Still not leaking after 30K plus of daily driving. I got the stuff at Pep Boys.

 

i just finished the job and no leaks, whats so important is guiding the intake down in 1 shot for a good seat, i used the pencils to, and its a good thing for a 1 shot deal getting it down straight and lineing up, other thing i did, i waited 3 days after a torqed the bolts, before i started the car, after i torqed the bolts to 35lbs, i retorqed them again, just to make sure they were at 35lbs, some needed more tighting, and make sure everything is clean thats so important, and use sum 100 grit sandpaper to make sure the intake is clean. and use a good amount of rtv sealant on the front and back rails, what i did was put the rtv on both the rails and the intake for a good seal, hope this help you out dude