Intake Gasket Question

[b1gp1mp1n247]

I bought a new adjustable fuel pressure regulator that i havent put on yet and i just replaced the upper intake gasket about a month ago and i was planning on putting on the new regulator tomorrow, i wanted to know since the gasket is so new do you think it could be re-used or should i buy another gasket? dont think im an idiot for not waiting to replace the gasket when i did the regulator! i bought the regulator the other day and wasnt planning on buying a new one. i just think my old one is messed up. thanks for the help!

 

[schoonover_88]

If there is nothing wrong with the gasket then use it, otherwise pitch it. When I sanded down my intake I used my 15 year old 165,000 mile gasket again and I have had no problems at all, but I did coat it completly in silicone. Good luck.

 

[b1gp1mp1n247]

If there is nothing wrong with the gasket then use it, otherwise pitch it. When I sanded down my intake I used my 15 year old 165,000 mile gasket again and I have had no problems at all, but I did coat it completly in silicone. Good luck.

thanks man. anyone else?

 

[PRO50SC]

I would have a spare on stand by in case you tear the one you just put on. Nothin' worse than runnin' into a problem in the middle of the job and not havin' what you need at your fingertips. New gaskets not very $$$ anyway.

 

[redterror302]

More than likely you will be able to reuse that gasket again, there is no coolant that goes through there, so you should be fine. Just take off the upper sometime during the day before the auto stores close, just incase you need to get one.

 

[Michael Yount]

I think Bernie makes the best point - you won't know til you take it apart whether it will be serviceable again. Unless it's no hardship to run down a gasket at that time should you need one, the best thing is simply to buy a new one beforehand. And then, I'd put the new one in --- and if the old comes out in one piece, save it as your spare.

 

[b1gp1mp1n247]

thanks guys. im going to buy one just in case. as far as cleaning the lower intake, do i have to take it off the block to clean it??

 

[Gearbanger 101]

That would be easiest....but then again...who ever see's the lower intake once the upper is back on. Unless you want to be meticulous about it?

 

[xplo89gt]

I don't think you'll have a problem reusing that upper intake gasket. The upper intake is torqued so lightly that the gasket is probably in good shape. Again it is smart to have a spare. And what do you mean by cleaning the lower intake? Taking the lower intake off is making your job a hell of a lot longer. You will most likely need gaskets for that if you take it off, plus you need to drain coolant, and will need to use rtv on it. I wouldn't do it unless you are changing it.

 

[Michael Yount]

Ditto xplo - he nailed it. Unless there's a good reason to do so or you're having problems with it, avoid removing the lower intake. Coolant has to be drained, cleaning the mating surfaces is a major pain, etc. To clean for the upper re-install, I usually stuff clean, lint free rags (not paper towels - they can tear off down in the port) in each of the ports so that debris won't enter, and then clean the surface. Use a shop vac to suck up as much as you can, especially when slowly removing the rags. No more than 10 ft-lbs on the upper to lower bolts; start with the two in the middle work your way out - first 5, then up to 10. Here's a tip - from the hardware store (or that big container with a million bolts in it we all have) get two bolts the same as the shorter upper intake bolts. Cut the heads off and slot that end. Screw them into the front and rear lower intake holes on the passenger side. They will act as dowels - they'll hold the gasket in place, and allow you to easily position the upper. ONce it's in place, put 2 of the longer bolts in and get them started, then remove your temporary dowels, and put the regular bolts in. Works great for upper, lower, valve covers and headers - especially if you're working by yourself.