How to: replace valve cover gaskets, fuel rail gaskets and lower intake gaskets

[wilkcards]

Well, I found the use for the thicker o-ring...goes around the thermostat

 

[wilkcards]

So, the lower intake gaskets I have are two separate pieces, but the one I took out was 1 piece. What will keep oil from leaking in the middle section where the gaskets don't cover?

 

[97RangerXLT]

I did a one piece. Basically I didn't want to deal with the multiple piece one. The cost of the oem ford gasket at the time was only 4 bucks more than the felpro 3 piece so I went with that.

I would advise use of rtv to help with the multiple pieces

 

[wilkcards]

Here is the gasket I have...
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=2186186&cc=1354799&jnid=544&jpid=2

 

[97RangerXLT]

I would invest in more rtv...

 

[wilkcards]

But, what's the deal with that? The one I took out looks like this....

 

[wilkcards]

I'm really stuck here. I really don't want to have to do this over, and really wish I had a 1 piece gasket...

Ok, I added rtv to the valley. Should I let it sit for a while to harden?

 

[97RangerXLT]

I would let it harden just enough to form a skin. A little extra in the valleys will help

 

[wilkcards]

So I broke one of the bolts on the lower intake when re-attaching it. Can I let it go, or I do have to take it back apart, fish it out, and find another bolt?

 

[97RangerXLT]

How tight are you torqueing them down?

You will not be able to keep it from leaking with a bolt missing so unfortunately you will have to take it apart and remove the broken bolt.

Be sure to plug any openings to the engine with shop towels or rags so no metal bits fall in.

You might want to replace all the bolts with new ones and chase the threads with a tap on the engine side. Again be sure to keep metal shavings out of the engine. Good luck!

 

[wilkcards]

Well, I got it all back together and when I start it it revs up, sputters, and dies. I tried unplugging, maf, and iac and it did the same thing. I'm guessing I have an air leak somewhere.

Edit: forgot to remove old gaskets from upper intake so I had a bad seal. Purring like a kitten now...I left the broken bolt out of frustration and will keep an eye out for leaks...seems fine so far. If I have to do this job again it will be 1000% easier...

Thanks a lot for the thread, and your help!

 

[96-ranger]

All
I need to replace both head gaskets on my 96 because of coolant leak, is there a post anywhere on this forum that continues this procedure on to removing the heads?
thanks, Gary

 

[brokenbolt]

Do I need to put RTV on the paper fuel rail gasket??

 

[97RangerXLT]

Nope, it should have a faint trace of sealant embedded into it. Even if it doesnt, you should be fine without any as the only thing you are sealing against at this point is air

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 while sitting in my underwear

 

[brokenbolt]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have a couple more questions.

1) What type of RTV sealant is preferred for the lower intake gasket and the fuel cover gaskets? black/red/ultra black?

2) Can anyone recommend a decent torque wrench that doesn't break the bank? I've tried the $40 TEKTON one from amazon and the $21 Pittsburgh one from harbor freight. Neither worked (wouldn't click).