Re: Inlet manifold installation

[Glenn Merrell <gmerrel@domain.elided>]

Hello Mike,
    Be careful using a gasket sealer on the intake manifold gaskets.
The water gallery return holes are small and plug easily with gasket
sealers, especially silicone. If you heads have been leak free for 60K
miles, I bet that you can not loosen a head or studs anyway.  So, best
them leave well enough alone.  If you decide you feel more comfortable
with something on the gaskets, apply a very thin film of silicone to
both sides of the gasket...thin enough that you can barely detect what
color sealer you applied, let dry first, then assemble.  Make sure the
cylinder head is absolutely clear of old gasket, dirt and grease.  Put a
straight edge across the intake surfaces of both the head and manifold
to be sure they are straight. Make sure you have all the bolts started
by fingers only first, then tighten one side down first.  If no gaps
pull between the head surface and the intake manifold on the untightened
side, you are home free and can torque that side too.  If you pull a gap
on the loose side of more than a 16th...buy a new cylinder head gasket
set...get ready for some real fun.

Regards,
Glenn Merrell
"Keep Your Stag Cool, Install a NEW Composite Cowl Today"
http://pw1.netcom.com/~gmerrel/stagcowl001.html