304 Intake gasket

[SteveJr]

Does anyone know if there is a trick to keeping the front seal on the AMC 304 intake from squirting out when tightening up the bolts?

 

[hdgapeach]

Don't know if you're using sealant caulk or not. You ought to.

The scenario I generally perform is to lay a film of caulk, place the gasket on the caulk. Next I spread a film of caulk on the intake surface that'll contact the gasket. Let it all sit until the caulk gets a little stiffer than when it comes out of the tube. Place the intake on the block and insert the bolts. Snug them down a little more than hand tight. Tight enough to assure the connection between the parts and gasket, just not too tight that it starts to push the gasket out.

BREAK TIME!! I leave the intake alone for a few hours. Go cut grass, repack some bearings or something. Give the caulk some time to set up and cure. When you go back to work on the intake, torque down the bolts in sequence per specs and you shouldn't have any problems with the pressure puking the gaskets out each end.


Go vote once a day, everyday!

 

[BIGTRUCKNUT]

Don't use the front and rear intake manifold seals on any American V8 motor. Test fit your intake between the heads to see about how much of a gap is there. Remove the manifold and get the port gaskets ready. Once ready to install, lay a thick bead of black rtv across the front and back from one head to the other where the stock seal would go. Let it set up a few minutes then drop the intake straight down. Install bolts, torque them down to specs.

 

[CJim7]

I've never had an issue with the f/r manifold gaskets.....but Im using an Edelbrock intake for whatever difference that might make.

I've mainly heard of problems with them leaking....if you use them, you cant rely on the gasket alone without using silicon.

 

[SteveJr]

I have always used RTV on the corners, Ive never had a issue before but with this engine for some reason the front was stubborn, I think Ive got it now....

 

[Purple77CJ7]

I have used silicone on those rubber gaskets in the past. Works for awhile. The next time I have to remove the intake manifold I am not using those gaskets, I am going to use just a bead of the " Right Stuff " and bolt it up. I like that stuff.