Intake Manifold Installation

[dresselman]

Time for me to pick your brains once again!
I installed the new Eddy carb and manifold this weekend and thought everything was good,but now I am noticing a small amount of oil at the front base of the manifold and a larger amount at the rear. Not sure if the rear area is coming from the distributor shaft, as I didn't replace the rubber o ring.
I originally tried to use the cork front and rear gaskets, but could not get the bolt holes to line up. (Manifold was too high.) So I decided to try the RTV Silicone method, and obviously that didn't work. What has everyone found to be the best method for a totally leak proof install, how much silicone do you put on, etc. I would appreciate any help. Not looking forward to pulling the damn thing off again, but I would like to do it right this time. Thanks.

 

[JR]

I always use the cork front and rear gaskets along with RTV silicone and have never had a leak. you may want to retorq the bolts after a few heat cycles.

 

[dgc333]

I am using the magnum gaskets at the front and rear. These are rubber bonded to a metal core. You will need to cut off the nib that locates them on a stock magnum intake but they work great. I still use a dab of RTV at the corners where they contact the intake gaskets but none else where.

 

[340mopar]

I use the stock cork end seals. But the RTV can work well also. If you use the RTV give it a little time (20 min or so) to skin over and I don't start the vehicle until it has set overnight to cure. The hot oil and crankcase pressure/vacuum can move that stuff around until it cures.


Chuck

 

[MtNemoMopar]

My heads are shaved enough that I can use only RTV.Never had a leak yet, and like 340mopar said, make sure it is cured before starting the engine.

 

[63dartman]

I would guess that the oil is escaping from the front and back block and intake seams as you stated. If you read the installation procedures that came with the manifold they tell you to throw away the cork gaskets and just use a bead of rtv.I'm not sure why they say to not use the gaskets but, I'm sure there is a good reason.
I did the same thing on a performer intake a few years back. I installed the intake and had oil coming out of the seams. I didn't use enough rtv to seal it. I think the only way to fix it right is "remove and repeat". At least that's what "cured" mine.I used a pretty good sized bead of rtv. Actually I think I laid one bead on top of the first bead. My thinking is that too much is better than not enough. I don't think there is any issue with having too much rtv along the seam as it will just flatten out as it's compressed.
I'm no expert on the subject and If I'm wrong on this I hope some of the others here will chime in and help you out too.

 

[ramcharger]

Some edelbrock intake manifolds do not have the locating pin hole drilled. With these manifolds (LD4B comes to mind), the locating pin must be removed from the block before installing the manifold, otherwise the pin will hold the manifold up off of the sealing surface.