Intake manifold question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GMC Guy · 10-20-2009, 03:21 PM

i'm taking my edelbrock manifold off to clean it really good and to replace the old gaskets. i have a new set of fel-pro gaskets already, but i just need to know where to put RTV and basically the best way to put it back together so it won't leak. i heard that using RTV instead of the rubber end seals works better and lasts longer. i know it's not rocket science, but i'd just like to know the correct procedure to remove/replace the intake, so i don't have any leaks. thanks.

cableguy0 · 10-20-2009, 03:26 PM

run a 1/4 inch bead of rtv at the front and rear rails toss the rubbers in the trash. then set the gaskets in place so the tips on the corner sink into the rtv. if you want you can put a thin coat of rtv around the water ports. make sure to use thread sealer on the 4 center bolts that are next to the carb flange otherwise they will start to seep oil.

GMC Guy · 10-20-2009, 03:28 PM

ok, i have to go down to the parts store to get a few things, what kind of RTV should i use? and also what thread sealer works best? oh and i don't have access to a torque wrench, so if i tighten the bolts evenly, will i be ok?

cowboy5683 · 10-20-2009, 03:38 PM

whats up greg?..How is the truck running otherwise?..Ya..Just use oil resistant rtv..you will be good..I would use thread sealant on those bolts..cable is correct..you will leak some water passed them and it will drive ya crazy...just get whatever kragen has..also a tip..put a tiny dab of rtv on each corner of the intake gaskets and let it set for 30 mins before dropping intake on and you will have no frustrations with the gaskets not lining up with the bolt holes..as far as the torque goes..you will be ok without it if you have a really good feel for torque and evenness between the bolts..but I wouldnt cus one mis torque and you could have a vacuum leak and you know how those go now dont ya?..lol..you can get a decent torque wrench at harbor frieght tools for like $30 or possibly rent one from kragen or autozone ??

87Bob · 10-20-2009, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMC Guy

ok, i have to go down to the parts store to get a few things, what kind of RTV should i use? and also what thread sealer works best? oh and i don't have access to a torque wrench, so if i tighten the bolts evenly, will i be ok?

Wait till you have a torque wrench! Or barrow one.

cableguy0 · 10-20-2009, 03:46 PM

you cant get a torque wrench on most of the bolts. just start in the middle and work out in steps. by the time the ends are tight the middle will be loose just keep going back over them. no need to crank then up hard. The rtv you want is called The right stuff . it costs more but it sets up quicker and seals great. Just do not wait 30 minutes with this stuff. Dont put it on the rails until you are ready to set the intake on

GMC Guy · 10-20-2009, 03:49 PM

ok, i'll see if i can borrow one. my manifold is extremely dirty and it's not doing my engine compartment any justice

would they sell the Right Stuff at kragen? otherwise i could go to autozone or something
Oh, and what works best for cleaning the grime off the intake? other than blasting it. i heard brake cleaner works well?

what's up CJ? the truck is running great! I can't thank-you enough for your help. and i'm just shopping around for an exhaust system now, i want a real head turner

haha

cowboy5683 · 10-20-2009, 03:54 PM

Right on right on..Glad yer havin good luck!..I am sure with all the hard work yer puttin in it you will be chasin em away with a stick!!..Just dont drive by jenny craig..you will need a bigger stick!!..lol..I know..socially incorrect..sorry..couldnt resist

GMC Guy · 10-20-2009, 03:59 PM

hahahahaha

that B**** isn't getting any where close to my truck lol

oh, and some buddies of mine (who own square bodies) were thinking of starting our own club for only 73-87 chevy's. i thought of the name
Tri-Vallley Square Bodies "Where it's cool to be Square" haha just gotta get some decals made, and maybe some shirts. then cruise downtown on friday nights

cowboy5683 · 10-20-2009, 04:06 PM

Thats awesome..Looks like you will be the quadrajet man in that club now huh?..Always good to have more clubs!!..Stickers n such are easy..Down here there is a guy at the mall that makes em any size and style.

GMC Guy · 10-20-2009, 04:09 PM

that'd be sweet lol
and yes no one believes i'm running a q-jet haha they're like "uhhh, can you rebuild mine?" lol

cableguy0 · 10-20-2009, 04:11 PM

Any auto parts store should have it. its made by permatex and comes in a can not a tube. foamy engine bright will help a good bit. also castrol super clean does really really good just dont spray it on anything that you want the paint to stay on

GMC Guy · 10-20-2009, 04:13 PM

so it won't mess up the finish on the aluminum intake right?

cableguy0 · 10-20-2009, 04:21 PM

if the intake is that dirty it probably already lost its finish if there ever was one. most aluminum intakes are just bare aluminum. unless you got an eps manifold or had it cleared or powder coated on your own its just bare aluminum

cowboy5683 · 10-20-2009, 04:23 PM

Unless its the "endurashine" finish it has no finish..It is "as cast finish"..got to the edelbrock website..they mention something called oxisolv aluminum cleaner..I dont know what it is but I am sure they wouldnt recommend something if it was gonna mess it up.

gchemist · 10-20-2009, 08:10 PM

Thick beads on the ends. A little under the gaskets. A small bead on the water jackets. No leaks on my intake!!

bitchin85 · 10-20-2009, 10:51 PM

quick question.. probably a stupid one.. but why is a bead of rtv better then the rubber gaskets on the ends? i recently replaced my intake and i used the rubber gaskets with a thin layer of rtv on them..

cowboy5683 · 10-20-2009, 11:40 PM

No question is stupid..I believe it makes it easier for those situations where yer dealing with a heavy manifold by yerself and ya dont have to worry bout one of them lil suckers gettin away from ya and fallin in the valley or endin up crooked..If anyone knows any other reason let us know.

gchemist · 10-20-2009, 11:45 PM

Better resistance to oil and temperature changes.

cowboy5683 · 10-20-2009, 11:48 PM

lol..I knew I would forget something..damn Coors light..lol

GMC Guy · 10-21-2009, 03:53 AM

well it's on there, waiting til tomorrow to fire it up (give the silicone time to cure) i'll post some pics ASAP. it came out amazing

looks brand new!

79gmcc15 · 10-21-2009, 04:40 AM

good work! BTW

cableguy0 · 10-21-2009, 09:34 AM

silicone is used because the rubber gaskets shrink in a relatively short amount of time and then start puking oil down the front and back of the motor. Gm has had a tech service bulletin since i think the mid 80's to throw away the rubber seals and use rtv instead because they are prone to blowing out and leaking

bitchin85 · 10-21-2009, 06:19 PM

thanks ill remember that when i swap out my intake

68 TT · 10-21-2009, 06:36 PM

I missed this one in time to help out but Pine-Sol does incredible things with greasy & dirty aluminum.

A couple gallons from the dollar store and a plastic bin large enough to fit the intake in flat on the bottom are all you need.

Let is soak until the grease is gone. It will even take carbon deposits off aluminum head combustion chambers. They come out looking brand new. Time soaking depends upon the amount of grime.

10-20-2009, 03:21 PM	#1
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Intake manifold question i'm taking my edelbrock manifold off to clean it really good and to replace the old gaskets. i have a new set of fel-pro gaskets already, but i just need to know where to put RTV and basically the best way to put it back together so it won't leak. i heard that using RTV instead of the rubber end seals works better and lasts longer. i know it's not rocket science, but i'd just like to know the correct procedure to remove/replace the intake, so i don't have any leaks. thanks. __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

10-20-2009, 03:26 PM	#2
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	Re: Intake manifold question run a 1/4 inch bead of rtv at the front and rear rails toss the rubbers in the trash. then set the gaskets in place so the tips on the corner sink into the rtv. if you want you can put a thin coat of rtv around the water ports. make sure to use thread sealer on the 4 center bolts that are next to the carb flange otherwise they will start to seep oil. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

10-20-2009, 03:28 PM	#3
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: Intake manifold question ok, i have to go down to the parts store to get a few things, what kind of RTV should i use? and also what thread sealer works best? oh and i don't have access to a torque wrench, so if i tighten the bolts evenly, will i be ok? __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

10-20-2009, 03:38 PM	#4
cowboy5683 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Bernardino CA Posts: 94	Re: Intake manifold question whats up greg?..How is the truck running otherwise?..Ya..Just use oil resistant rtv..you will be good..I would use thread sealant on those bolts..cable is correct..you will leak some water passed them and it will drive ya crazy...just get whatever kragen has..also a tip..put a tiny dab of rtv on each corner of the intake gaskets and let it set for 30 mins before dropping intake on and you will have no frustrations with the gaskets not lining up with the bolt holes..as far as the torque goes..you will be ok without it if you have a really good feel for torque and evenness between the bolts..but I wouldnt cus one mis torque and you could have a vacuum leak and you know how those go now dont ya?..lol..you can get a decent torque wrench at harbor frieght tools for like $30 or possibly rent one from kragen or autozone ??

10-20-2009, 03:46 PM	#6
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	Re: Intake manifold question you cant get a torque wrench on most of the bolts. just start in the middle and work out in steps. by the time the ends are tight the middle will be loose just keep going back over them. no need to crank then up hard. The rtv you want is called The right stuff . it costs more but it sets up quicker and seals great. Just do not wait 30 minutes with this stuff. Dont put it on the rails until you are ready to set the intake on __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

10-20-2009, 03:49 PM	#7
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: Intake manifold question ok, i'll see if i can borrow one. my manifold is extremely dirty and it's not doing my engine compartment any justice would they sell the Right Stuff at kragen? otherwise i could go to autozone or something Oh, and what works best for cleaning the grime off the intake? other than blasting it. i heard brake cleaner works well? what's up CJ? the truck is running great! I can't thank-you enough for your help. and i'm just shopping around for an exhaust system now, i want a real head turner haha __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)] Last edited by GMC Guy; 10-20-2009 at 03:54 PM.

10-20-2009, 03:54 PM	#8
cowboy5683 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Bernardino CA Posts: 94	Re: Intake manifold question Right on right on..Glad yer havin good luck!..I am sure with all the hard work yer puttin in it you will be chasin em away with a stick!!..Just dont drive by jenny craig..you will need a bigger stick!!..lol..I know..socially incorrect..sorry..couldnt resist Last edited by cowboy5683; 10-20-2009 at 04:00 PM. Reason: cant spell for st..lol

10-20-2009, 03:59 PM	#9
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: Intake manifold question hahahahaha that B**** isn't getting any where close to my truck lol oh, and some buddies of mine (who own square bodies) were thinking of starting our own club for only 73-87 chevy's. i thought of the name Tri-Vallley Square Bodies "Where it's cool to be Square" haha just gotta get some decals made, and maybe some shirts. then cruise downtown on friday nights __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

10-20-2009, 04:06 PM	#10
cowboy5683 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Bernardino CA Posts: 94	Re: Intake manifold question Thats awesome..Looks like you will be the quadrajet man in that club now huh?..Always good to have more clubs!!..Stickers n such are easy..Down here there is a guy at the mall that makes em any size and style.

10-20-2009, 04:09 PM	#11
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: Intake manifold question that'd be sweet lol and yes no one believes i'm running a q-jet haha they're like "uhhh, can you rebuild mine?" lol __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

10-20-2009, 04:11 PM	#12
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	Re: Intake manifold question Any auto parts store should have it. its made by permatex and comes in a can not a tube. foamy engine bright will help a good bit. also castrol super clean does really really good just dont spray it on anything that you want the paint to stay on __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

10-20-2009, 04:13 PM	#13
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: Intake manifold question so it won't mess up the finish on the aluminum intake right? __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

10-20-2009, 04:21 PM	#14
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	Re: Intake manifold question if the intake is that dirty it probably already lost its finish if there ever was one. most aluminum intakes are just bare aluminum. unless you got an eps manifold or had it cleared or powder coated on your own its just bare aluminum __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

10-20-2009, 04:23 PM	#15
cowboy5683 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Bernardino CA Posts: 94	Re: Intake manifold question Unless its the "endurashine" finish it has no finish..It is "as cast finish"..got to the edelbrock website..they mention something called oxisolv aluminum cleaner..I dont know what it is but I am sure they wouldnt recommend something if it was gonna mess it up.

10-20-2009, 08:10 PM	#16
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Intake manifold question Thick beads on the ends. A little under the gaskets. A small bead on the water jackets. No leaks on my intake!! __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos Last edited by gchemist; 10-20-2009 at 08:10 PM.



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10-20-2009, 10:51 PM	#17
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: Intake manifold question quick question.. probably a stupid one.. but why is a bead of rtv better then the rubber gaskets on the ends? i recently replaced my intake and i used the rubber gaskets with a thin layer of rtv on them.. __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

10-20-2009, 11:40 PM	#18
cowboy5683 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Bernardino CA Posts: 94	Re: Intake manifold question No question is stupid..I believe it makes it easier for those situations where yer dealing with a heavy manifold by yerself and ya dont have to worry bout one of them lil suckers gettin away from ya and fallin in the valley or endin up crooked..If anyone knows any other reason let us know.

10-20-2009, 11:45 PM	#19
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Intake manifold question Better resistance to oil and temperature changes. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

10-20-2009, 11:48 PM	#20
cowboy5683 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Bernardino CA Posts: 94	Re: Intake manifold question lol..I knew I would forget something..damn Coors light..lol

10-21-2009, 03:53 AM	#21
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: Intake manifold question well it's on there, waiting til tomorrow to fire it up (give the silicone time to cure) i'll post some pics ASAP. it came out amazing looks brand new! __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

10-21-2009, 04:40 AM	#22
79gmcc15 Gettin It One Pice At A Time Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: everett, washington Posts: 2,688	Re: Intake manifold question good work! BTW __________________ RIP ELJAY Work In Progress 1979 GMC C1500 Trailering Special. Getting the truck done, one piece at a time. “You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”Ronald Reagan “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby

10-21-2009, 09:34 AM	#23
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	Re: Intake manifold question silicone is used because the rubber gaskets shrink in a relatively short amount of time and then start puking oil down the front and back of the motor. Gm has had a tech service bulletin since i think the mid 80's to throw away the rubber seals and use rtv instead because they are prone to blowing out and leaking __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

10-21-2009, 06:19 PM	#24
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: Intake manifold question thanks ill remember that when i swap out my intake __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

10-21-2009, 06:36 PM	#25
68 TT Still plays with trucks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,556	Re: Intake manifold question I missed this one in time to help out but Pine-Sol does incredible things with greasy & dirty aluminum. A couple gallons from the dollar store and a plastic bin large enough to fit the intake in flat on the bottom are all you need. Let is soak until the grease is gone. It will even take carbon deposits off aluminum head combustion chambers. They come out looking brand new. Time soaking depends upon the amount of grime.

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