Intake Manifold gasket replacement

[Debbie]

Looks like I have to replace the gasket. Any suggestions on ease of accomplishing this or should I look into finding a shop to do it for me...

 

[CHH777]

It's not a hard procedure, just lengthy. Lots of components to be pulled to get to the intake.

I recommend you pick up a Haynes manual at your local parts house. It has detailed step-by-step instructions that will give you an idea if this is a project you can/want to perform yourself.

Good luck...

 

[QTRMILE]

I'm not sure what engine you're working with, but here are a couple tips...

The upper intake gasket can generally be reused if it is in decent shape.

When you get the lower intake off, stuff paper towels in all the ports and holes to prevent gasket material from getting in there. I use a shop vac to pick up all the crap that you scrape off.

Never use the cork/rubber end gaskets that come with gasket kits. Instead, use a 1/3" thick bead of RTV. Let it skin before reassembly. It provides a much better seal and doesn't shift around (common problem on V8's.)

It is an easy job, it just takes awhile because of all the stuff they have hooked up there. Its also a good time to flush that cooling system since you have to drain the coolant anyway.

Good luck, Rob


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no Explorers, but plenty of Fords:
'82 Mustang GT 351W
'82 F250 351W
'91 Mustang LX 5.0
'78 Mustang II pro street

 

[Debbie]

Thanks for the input guys...I started taking things off and ran into the smae problems I had in the beginning..I am not strong enuogh to loosen the hoses off their tubes...Very frustrating. So I broke down and called a shopp. They are charging me $225 for labor plus parts. Very sad for me. Wish I could have done it myself. Thanks again though.You guys are great. Wish I could pay you! Debbie

 

[Benson]

Is it OK to use only RTV silcone and not any gasket on the lower intake? How about the always leaking valve cover gasket?



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Jack Benson
benson04@alltel.net

 

[Debbie]

Well ...I got it fixed at the shop. They to;d me that since I had only three hundred dollars that they would fudge on the labor portion of the bill. Funny huh? The worst part was when I got it home and checked out the work, I found that they neglected to reinstall the air conditioning hose to the front and the oil recirculater dealy was not attached either. I took it back to them and they apologized as they were snapping the wires back into their keepers and hooking up the empty airconditioning hoses. I was pissed off but what could I do? humph! Deb

 

[Kyle K.]

Well they did fudge on the labor didn't they? i can't believe the job cost that much, i am glad i am replacing my head and top end gaskets myself. the most expensive part of this job besides parts is gonna be having the freon recharged. Good luck on learning more and taking more apart, or is it the other way around? have fun #1 goal.

dodger