Manifold Gasket--Tips or Tricks??

[VanceH]

Hi guys, i am getting ready to install the manifold on the 350. Last time i did this it was a nightmare. Took me three trys. Is there any tricks or tips.

Vance

[prostreetC-10]

What was the nightmare? What took 3 trys? Did the manifold gaskets keep sliding down?

[glock35ipsc]

Intake manifold?

Use a 1/4" bead of RTV on the front and rear. Use a thin film around the water jacket holes front and rear, install the gasket and hold on place with a few bolts. Let it set for a few until the RTV starts to set up, then it will act like glue and hold the gaskets in place. Remove the bolts, then just set the manifold straight down.

[neonlarry]

The way I install mine is first make sure all the surfaces are clean and free of any grease or oil (read brake cleaner etc).
next I always put a small bead of RTV around the water ports on both sides of the gasket. Throw away the rubber end pieces that came with the gasket and instead lay a ¼" bead of RTV across the front and back of the block in their place and let it set up for 20-30min. Then put the manifold on and torque to spec being sure to use thread sealer on the bolts to prevent oil leaks.
Akk glock types faster than I do.

[glock35ipsc]

Hey, how come my 1/4" looks like 1/4" and yours looks like ¼"?

[prostreetC-10]

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

Hey, how come my 1/4" looks like 1/4" and yours looks like ¼"?

Because he hit the "quarter" key and you didn't!

[prostreetC-10]

Just to add....if we are talking about the manifold gaskets, I like to use the blue stuff for the ends but I prefer the High heat "orange" RVT for the water jacket ends. It's a little thicker and you won't have to wait for it to set up. Do yourself a favor too...don't be afraid to climb into the engine compartment so you can lower the intake straight down. Especially with a small block....lots of room. You want good leverage and it's hard to get that leaning over the fender or grill. Install the bolts on both ends first. This way, if the gaskets has walked just a little, you can usually move it around a little with the bolt to re-center it. Make sure and re-torque/tighten your bolts after it has gone through a few heat cycles and use thread sealer or tape on the bolts. Some of the holes tend to go into the water jackets.

[glock35ipsc]

There's a quarter key???

Oh, the Ultra Blue RTV is my fav too!

[prostreetC-10]

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

There's a quarter key???

Yes...it's in between the 1/8th and 3/8th keys!!!

[glock35ipsc]

Wow, I need to update my keyboard!

Sorry Vance, and now back to our regularly scheduled tech question......

[neonlarry]

For old keyboards like yours try Alt 0188.

[VanceH]

Cool thanks for all the tips, i am goin to install the oil pan gasket tonight and pcik up the manifold gasket in the am. ill let you all know how i did!!!

Vance

3/8
1/4
I dont have a quarter key!!

[glock35ipsc]

Found em! ¼ ½ ¾