arco777
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- April 6, 2008
- Messages
- 2,404
- Reaction score
- 59
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1994 Explorer 2dr 4x4
1-2: Lower intake manifold before shots. It was filthy. Intake ports were solid black with burnt oily residue, likely from PCV oil vapor. Upper manifold had a pool of oil in it.
3. Pressure washing got most of the crud off the outside but did nothing for the oily reside in the ports. A portable steamer (purchased from Harbor Freight) worked great for removing the residue.
4-5. The lower intake manifold (LIM) gasket set I am using is a Fel-Pro set for a later 4.0 OHV. I had read that it was supposed to be an improvement. I don't recommend this one. The RTV machine at the plant left loose RTV on the gaskets that could have broke off and fallen into the valley, eventually clogging the oil pickup. The bigger problem is that the thickness of the gasket is causing issues with the intake sitting higher than normal, causing misalignment of the valve cover mating surfaces and bolts. I'm not happy with it, but it's what I have.
6-8. The gasket is installed dry, although the end seals are made with RTV which the kit includes. Pictures show the gap I have to deal with, which seems excessive and I think is due to the gasket thickness. Fortunately after install, I can easily verify I got enough RTV in and correct any weak spots. I also made sure to have good RTV coverage where the upper corners of the heads met the block.
9. Port alignment is good.
3. Pressure washing got most of the crud off the outside but did nothing for the oily reside in the ports. A portable steamer (purchased from Harbor Freight) worked great for removing the residue.
4-5. The lower intake manifold (LIM) gasket set I am using is a Fel-Pro set for a later 4.0 OHV. I had read that it was supposed to be an improvement. I don't recommend this one. The RTV machine at the plant left loose RTV on the gaskets that could have broke off and fallen into the valley, eventually clogging the oil pickup. The bigger problem is that the thickness of the gasket is causing issues with the intake sitting higher than normal, causing misalignment of the valve cover mating surfaces and bolts. I'm not happy with it, but it's what I have.
6-8. The gasket is installed dry, although the end seals are made with RTV which the kit includes. Pictures show the gap I have to deal with, which seems excessive and I think is due to the gasket thickness. Fortunately after install, I can easily verify I got enough RTV in and correct any weak spots. I also made sure to have good RTV coverage where the upper corners of the heads met the block.
9. Port alignment is good.