front and rear intake gasket.sealer or gasket?or both?

[COPPERHEAD85]

whats your input on this?i've got the cork end gaskets and i've always used both silicone and the gasket together because i freakin hate leaks......i noticed the cork gasket was pushed out when i pulled the intake off.iam going to be driving this on the road alot now so i only want to do this once.


thanks for all input.

 

[wade]

I just use a 3/8th" bead of High Temp Silicone. Take 4 bolts (thread size and diameter of the intake bolts -- 5/16th"? I've forgotten!) about 4" Long. Cut the heads off of the bolts. Take a hacksaw and slot the unthreaded end for a flat tip screwdriver. Thread these bolts into the 4 corners of the intake manifold bolt holes in the heads. They will serve as guide studs while you install the intake to keep it from sliding backward/forward. That way it just goes straight down onto these "studs". Once you get the other intake bolts in place, take a screwdriver and remove your homemade guide studs. The 3/8th" silicone bead should be squished making a perfect seal. TA-DAH.
Save the guide studs for next time. You know that there WILL be a next time!

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

great idea for the stud line up deal!going to slap the intake on in a few min.just got the 289 heads on and tqed.
thanks wade!
thats why you ask questions on here,no matter how many times "you" do something someone else has added to it.........

 

[projectnitemare]

I have never had the gaskets leak. Yes use studs to line the intake up during installation. Most gasket leaks I've ever seen were from improper installation. Both surfaces need to be clean and dry. Anything on the mating surface will act as lubricant and push the gasket out. Seal the ends with silicone. Mine has been leak free for 5 years now.

Matt

 

[wade]

If for some strange reason you think you just have to use the cork pieces of junk -- use the High Temp Silicone and adhere them to the block and to the intake gaskets. Then, go in the house and play computer games for a few hours. Just before you put the intake manifold on, coat the top of the cork with another coat of silicone. Glueing them to the block first and letting it cure keeps 'em from slipping. I still recommend use of the guide studs.
Cork will decay and shrink. Its just cellular stuff -- soft wood -- used to be living material. Its an OK gasket material, but it deteriorates with time and heat. I remember always having to tighten my valve covers to stop 'em from leaking (til next time!) with cork gaskets. Eventually requiring replacement. Now, I'm using the composite gaskets. The only place I have cork, now, is at the oil pan. But, that'll go away for the one piece gasket, next time I have to pull the pan.