LIM gasket install..school me

[ecgreen]

So I installed new head gaskets on my 2.9l. That went well, but I don't think I did the LIM properly. First of all, there is a 1/8inch gap between the manifold and where you supposed to put the RTV. Here are pics of front and back. Is this normal? If so, I don't think I used enough RTV.

Here are front and rear views where the LIM "meets" the block.

Also, the gasket it not centered right. It protrudes on one side.

So, is this a total re-do? Help this amateur engine builder please.

Sean

 

[adsm08]

I have rarely had those rubber strips sit perfect, it always seems like they are off on one end or the other, but that rear picture looks wrong.

I never did heads on a 2.9, but on the 4.0 which is basically the same engine, you are supposed to torque the heads and lower intake together to prevent exactly that. How did you do it?

 

[ecgreen]

I did the heads first, just like it says in the Chilton and haynes manuals. Torque the heads first, then do the intake manifold. Says to do it that way here too:

2.9 Head Replacement

therangerstation.com

I havent worked on enough of these to know whats normal. Didn't even think to look at that before I ripped it apart.

 

[Paulos]

That part of the intake gasket that sticks above the head should be flush. If it's sticking up above the top of the head/intake, the intake ports on the gasket will be high also (they are about the same height, and I can see the closest intake port gasket sticking up also). I'm not sure how the gasket could sit high like that, unless you separated the two sides of the intake gasket on the perforated lines(?) The gasket is one piece, and the perforated lines are there for bending only.

 

[ecgreen]

That part of the intake gasket that sticks above the head should be flush. If it's sticking up above the top of the head/intake, the intake ports on the gasket will be high also (they are about the same height, and I can see the closest intake port gasket sticking up also). I'm not sure how the gasket could sit high like that, unless you separated the two sides of the intake gasket on the perforated lines(?) The gasket is one piece, and the perforated lines are there for bending only.

At the very least then, I need to tear it apart on redo the gasket. What's your opinion of that gap? Could be related to the unevenness of the gasket I am thinking

 

[Paulos]

I have a new set of heads and a FelPro gasket in the back room, but without putting them on the block I can't tell how the gasket could shift up like that (it shouldn't). The FelPro instruction sheet does say that you need to install a 3/16" bead across the front and back, so there will be a gap. In fact, the gap in your pictures didn't concern me near as much as the position of the gasket. When you pull the LIM, try matching the ports on the gasket with the ports in the heads (with no intake). It may be something as simple as pushing down on those tabs in the corners to match flush with the top of the heads before torqueing them down. The gasket is marked "Front" also, and the orientation is pretty obvious as long as you have the "Front" to the front of the block.

At any rate, yeah, you'll definitely have to re-do the gasket. I've attached the procedure and torque specs from the Ford shop manual. It looks like only steps 1 & 2 apply to the LIM.

 

[ecgreen]

I have a new set of heads and a FelPro gasket in the back room, but without putting them on the block I can't tell how the gasket could shift up like that (it shouldn't). The FelPro instruction sheet does say that you need to install a 3/16" bead across the front and back, so there will be a gap. In fact, the gap in your pictures didn't concern me near as much as the position of the gasket. When you pull the LIM, try matching the ports on the gasket with the ports in the heads (with no intake). It may be something as simple as pushing down on those tabs in the corners to match flush with the top of the heads before torqueing them down. The gasket is marked "Front" also, and the orientation is pretty obvious as long as you have the "Front" to the front of the block.

At any rate, yeah, you'll definitely have to re-do the gasket. I've attached the procedure and torque specs from the Ford shop manual. It looks like only steps 1 & 2 apply to the LIM.

Thanks so much man, much appreciated

 

[ecgreen]

One last thing, should I use another new gasket of it's not broken?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

One last thing, should I use another new gasket of it's not broken?

Yep.

Looks upside-down and backwards to me, but I can't tell. They are directional. What brand is that one? Felpro is marked to show which way it goes in.

I've had my lower intake off a few times (head replacement once, then Swapped lowers when I ported one). They're a PITA the first time you set one.

 

[Paulos]

Like PetroleumJunkie412 said. If you've torqued the manifold, I wouldn't take the chance on re-using the gasket. I recommend doing a dry fit before using the silicone. Shape the gasket to fit without the intake sitting on it. Then put your bead of silicone down, set the intake on it, check to make sure those tabs aren't sticking above the heads, and torque to spec.

 

[ecgreen]

Like PetroleumJunkie412 said. If you've torqued the manifold, I wouldn't take the chance on re-using the gasket. I recommend doing a dry fit before using the silicone. Shape the gasket to fit without the intake sitting on it. Then put your bead of silicone down, set the intake on it, check to make sure those tabs aren't sticking above the heads, and torque to spec.

Got it, thanks!

 

[Paulos]

I just noticed something in your first pic that I didn't see before. It looks like the gasket is low on the passenger side and high on the drivers side. Just make sure those tabs are flush with the top of the heads before torqueing and you'll be alright.

 

[ecgreen]

I just noticed something in your first pic that I didn't see before. It looks like the gasket is low on the passenger side and high on the drivers side. Just make sure those tabs are flush with the top of the heads before torqueing and you'll be alright.

Yep, I messed that up too lol.

Anyone ever try these? They have a cork portion on the gasket where the RTV would normally go.

Mahle Original Intake Manifold Gasket MS15702

Shop for Mahle Original Intake Manifold Gasket MS15702 with confidence at AutoZone.com. Parts are just part of what we do. Get yours online today and pick up in store.

www.autozone.com

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Yep, I messed that up too lol.

Anyone ever try these? They have a cork portion on the gasket where the RTV would normally go.

Mahle Original Intake Manifold Gasket MS15702

Shop for Mahle Original Intake Manifold Gasket MS15702 with confidence at AutoZone.com. Parts are just part of what we do. Get yours online today and pick up in store.

www.autozone.com

They're on par with felpro.

 

[ecgreen]

They're on par with felpro.

Might try one, would be nice to have an actual gasket material there instead of rtv