Intake Gasket Question
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Harrisburg, SD
Intake Gasket Question
When you guys install intake gaskets Do you put high temp RTV silicone on both sides of the intake gasket? Or do you tack the gasket in place and then put silicone on just the intake ports? And do you usually have to torque the bolts down 3 or 4 times? After I torqued them down for the first time, I checked them about 15 min later and they rotated another turn almost. This happened 3 or 4 times... It just seemd a little odd to me.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
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Do not use sealers on gaskets, the gasket IS the sealer. A tiny drop of silicone or other sealer is good in corners like where the head and block meet.
On many engines it is easier to use a bead of silicone for the end gaskets rather than the gaskets that came with the gasket set. The end gaskets work OK on a stock engine that has had no machine work done.
For specific torque sequences etc check with your specific engine forum.
Silicone gets WAY overused by people and ends up clogging the oil pump and radiator.
On many engines it is easier to use a bead of silicone for the end gaskets rather than the gaskets that came with the gasket set. The end gaskets work OK on a stock engine that has had no machine work done.
For specific torque sequences etc check with your specific engine forum.
Silicone gets WAY overused by people and ends up clogging the oil pump and radiator.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 598
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From: Harrisburg, SD
Sorry I just realized I worded that complely wrong. Im talking just the coolant passages. The instructions that came with the manifold said to put high temp on, if I remember right. Is it both sides of the gasket or just one?
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Are the mating surfaces around the coolant passages corroded? If they are use a very thin/small amount of silicone sealer on both sides and assemble quickly before it sets up. Otherwise a smear of sealant on both sides would probably work OK if the manufacturer specifies a sealant for that area. You don't want much additional thickness or uneven compression and leaks happen. A vacuum leak inside the engine is a PITA. High temp would not be needed for a water passage application.
I try to use Fel-Pro Print-to-Seal gaskets whenever possible. They have a extremely small amount of sealer printed right on the gasket in an even pattern so there are no thick or thin areas that can lead to uneven compression and seal failure.
I try to use Fel-Pro Print-to-Seal gaskets whenever possible. They have a extremely small amount of sealer printed right on the gasket in an even pattern so there are no thick or thin areas that can lead to uneven compression and seal failure.
