Help please, oil leak intake

[1969GTS]

I've just taken my intake off as I had an good size oil leak from under the front corner of my intake. I thought I put a large enough bead of RTV but
it looks like the little tab from the head gasket caused the leak. I tried to seal under it the last time but obviously it didn't work. Can I cut these off or do I need to leave them intact to space the intake from the block?

Thanks

 

[340sixpack]

Are you using rtv only at the front and rear?I dont use the gaskets and i
think i did remove those tabs,hard to see in those pics.

 

[1969GTS]

Are you using rtv only at the front and rear?I dont use the gaskets and i
think i did remove those tabs,hard to see in those pics.

Yes, I didn't use the cork gaskets just RTV. I'm amazed at how much of a leak I had. I didn't think there would be that much oil pressure under the intake.

 

[mullinax95]

Yes, I didn't use the cork gaskets just RTV. I'm amazed at how much of a leak I had. I didn't think there would be that much oil pressure under the intake.

I don't why you couldn't cut the tabs off but I never have. Now for the record I "build up" a little more RTV in the corners where the tabs are. You want enough RTV to fill the void between the intake and block but not so much that it oozes out everywhere. I don't use the blue stuff in this area I use the good stuff on it like the high temp, cooper stuff, etc.

 

[340sFastback]

On my new engine I took a flat blade screw driver, put it on top of the tabs, and tapped on it with a hammer and it cut through the tab nice and cleanly. This was with FelPro 1008 head gaskets. I was kind of surprised how easy it was to chop them off with the above method. Make sure ALL your intake, coolant, and lifter valley are 100% covered because the tabs will fly who knows where.

Also, with your side gaskets in place lay the manifold in position and eye up how thick the RTV should be; remove the manifold. Carefully note the mating surfaces because they are NOT straight across. Then cut the little plastic applicator top that comes with the RTV to a size larger then the gap and lay a nice uniform bead across there with a little more in the corners.

I also prep both surfaces with Brake Parts Cleaner and fresh paper towels to remove all oils.

 

[stroked 340]

Yes cut those little tabs off,and get yourself some "right stuff" its the best rtv out there,lay a good size bead front and rear on the block,and to all 4 corners,and around the water jackets.. install the intake and let it sit overnight or at least a few hours before starting the engine,should solve your problem..

 

[1969GTS]

Clipped them and its all cleaned up. I'm off to Lordco to get some right stuff.

Thanks fellas.

 

[340sFastback]

Just a very thin film of RTV around the water jackets is all that is needed.

 

[mopar marc]

Not to rob a thread, but it seems no one likes to use the cork gaskets on the ends, why?

 

[1969GTS]

I've always been told they leak like hell. I've always been told to toss them in the garbage by friends of mine who race.

 

[3404spdvaliant]

When parts get milled/surfaced those cork end seals can make it hard to get all the bolts in initially, plus a lot of people screw them up squishing'em out.

Just don't put so much sealant that it clogs/partially blocks the water cross over and you'll be fine.

 

[ramcharger]

I use Cometic head gaskets and there are no tabs. I also use the "Right Stuff" instead of RTV. Good to 450 F and seals tight and approved by ma mopar. Zero leaks. NAPA brand RTV black works good too.

Cork seals do work with factory cast iron intakes, but I always use the above method with aluminum intakes as many aluminum intakes do not have the cork seal locating hole.

 

[crackedback]

Here's a little hint for not having to waste a bunch of RTV.

Set the intake on the engine sans gaskets and cleaned along the valley areas. Use a sharpie to draw a line along the valley area using the intake as a guide. That line is the outer most edge of sealing for the intake Lay your rtv out so it's near that line.

I lift the intake gasket up at the merge point and squirt a dab under it, then load the rest of the area.

 

[1969GTS]

I'M GOING TO SNAP! I can't win for loosing! I tore it all apart. cleaned it all up. Used a tap to clean out all the threads and carefully placed the gaskets with a thin film of RTV on the water jackets are. I put a bead of the right stuff front and rear. I carefully placed the intake and torqued it down correctly. As I torqued it down, no one, but three of the old cast iron threads gave out. So no suprise I have coolant in the oil! Another weekend of no progress. I can heli-coil those threads after I take it all apart AGAIN but I'm worried about bits of metal getting in the engine. Should I pull the heads to do this surgery?

 

[ramcharger]

You don't have to pull the heads but I would. It's just far easier to drill the holes out straight. Once it's done you'll know it's done right and don't have to worry about any metal shavings.

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Is your torque wrench reading right? Are the intake bolts too short, or has this engine been in the hands of a ham-fisted mechanic at one time?

 

[1969GTS]

You don't have to pull the heads but I would. It's just far easier to drill the holes out straight. Once it's done you'll know it's done right and don't have to worry about any metal shavings.

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Is your torque wrench reading right? Are the intake bolts too short, or has this engine been in the hands of a ham-fisted mechanic at one time?

I think the engine has been torn apart more than a few times, possibly by a ham-fisted mechanic. Its sure frustrating.

 

[ramcharger]

Sorry man. These are old cars and have probably been through a lot of people before we got 'em. Don't loose heart. 8)

 

[1969GTS]

I'm going ahead with paint and will deal with this in the spring. I may pull the heads and change out the valve springs anyway as the are heavy double springs and I don't want to wipe out a lobe on the camshaft. Its going to more cruising than racing these days. When I pull the heads I'll take them to an engine shop and have the threads fixed the right way. Or I may get a deal on a set of eddy heads. I'd like to keep the old X-Heads as the motor runs very well dispite the misery this intake is causing me.