Another coolant leak

[2000SL2]

Well, today when I tried to start the X it started and ran, except there was a lot of white smoke coming outta the tail pipe. @#$%!!! I pulled the plugs to find the cylinder in question and they all looked fine. Now what?! I'm thinking the intake manifold gasket. When I redid everything the second time 'round, I used Ford gaskets from the dealer. The lower intake gasket from Ford is much better than the Felpro. Anywho, I followed all the procedures for tightening all the bolts. Did 'em in sequence and to the specified torque. Why am I having so many problems? Any advice? Thanks!

Brian

 

[2000SL2]

Well, I just played with it some more. Tried tightening the intake manifold bolts and still white smoke coming out. ARRGH!!! After I shut it off, I oculd hear a little bubbling in the coolant resevoir. So, apparently it is pressurizing the coolant system. I'm thinking it's the lower intake manifold gasket not sealing again. Any suggestions on how to get it to seal properly?

Brian

 

[2000SL2]

Bump

 

[elkhunter]

When you tear it down this time have a machine shop magnaflux the heads or, if you can find it, they have a product called Crack-Detect. Check the area between the two valves real good. Both heads on our 4.0 were cracked there.