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Lower Intake Manifold Mating Surface

  • Thread starter Thread starter nonails4life
  • Start date Start date Dec 1, 2015
N

nonails4life

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Nov 29, 2015
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#1
  • Dec 1, 2015
  • #1
First off i'm installing a new intake manifold on my 1990 5.0 with stock heads/block. I was wondering if the mating surface on the heads water jackets are fine despite the fact that there is clearly some crusted on rtv or gasket still there. Ive been cleaning it for the past 3 days after work and making little headroom, but the surface between the water jackets cleaned off like butter. I've been using either a plastic scraper or a rag doused in acetone, brake clearer, goof off, and gunk engine cleaner to no avail. I'm also going to be using the Felpro 1250 s3 instead of the 1250. I was too worried about messing up the head surface with razors or abrasive tools, but i'm starting to think i'm gonna need to do that. Any advice would be greatly appreciated thanks. If I violated any forum posting rules I do apologize in advance, and please let me know.
http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-for...5/?temp_hash=45fa95adebe9f9d2189a5f590da302bc
http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-for...1/?temp_hash=45fa95adebe9f9d2189a5f590da302bc
 

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stykthyn

I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.
15 Year Member
Jul 6, 2006
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gainesville
Dec 1, 2015
#2
  • Dec 1, 2015
  • #2
I always use a razor. I find they are more forgiving than a metal scraper.
 
Reactions: A5literMan

69GT93LX

Member
Nov 14, 2011
4
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13
Marion, IA
Dec 1, 2015
#3
  • Dec 1, 2015
  • #3
I us a razor all the time as well. Just keep the razor flat and don't gouge. Scraping is MUCH better than using any type of abrasive material like scotch brite pads or roloc disks. But honestly, those cast heads will be difficult to damage, they are much more forgiving than aluminum.
 
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nonails4life

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Nov 29, 2015
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Dec 2, 2015
#4
  • Dec 2, 2015
  • #4
spent about an hour on one of the water jackets using six razors.Is the surface clean enough? (its smooth to the touch for the most part) I'm pretty sure I didn't create all the gouges on the one side of the water jacket(red area), but I probably caused the little ripples on the side of the cylinder port (green area). Also I've read a couple schools of thoughts on using silicone around the water jackets, or just on the corners, or none at all just a dab near the bottom where the gaskets meets the lifter valley on the front and back. recommendations? All in all definitely makes it a lot easier probably have the other 3 done in a few hours at this rate. thanks for the advice I appreciated it a lot!!! I'm also going to chase the bolts holes since they are pretty rusted on the edges, and get new bolts.
 

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squeak93

15 Year Member
Jun 2, 2005
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Joplin, Missouri
Dec 2, 2015
#5
  • Dec 2, 2015
  • #5
IF... If you have air tools I always find these to be the easiest way to remove gaskets and not harm metal. I've had GREAT luck with them over the year and zero leak issues.

Amazon product ASIN B00C0M0KISView: http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Brite-Bristle-Ceramic-Diameter-Yellow/dp/B00C0M0KIS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1449090601&sr=8-6&keywords=yellow+roloc


They are a bit pricey (can buy individually at oriellys) but last quite a while.

Edit as the link may not be forum approved: Yellow Roloc 3m paint/rust remover disc (3 inch).
 

stang89bidges

Advanced Member
Mar 14, 2014
727
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Fort Worth Texas
Dec 3, 2015
#6
  • Dec 3, 2015
  • #6
80 grit? Is that different than sandpaper 80 grit?

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
8,859
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In the garage
Dec 3, 2015
#7
  • Dec 3, 2015
  • #7
stock heads you can use a whiz wheel. Alum heads I would only use a razor and some acetone.
 
Reactions: A5literMan

squeak93

15 Year Member
Jun 2, 2005
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Joplin, Missouri
Dec 3, 2015
#8
  • Dec 3, 2015
  • #8
stang89bidges said:
80 grit? Is that different than sandpaper 80 grit?

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

It is not like sand paper. I've used them for years w/o issue. Even on aluminum. Just use common sense like buffing a car and don't sit on one place forever and risk it.

Disclaimer: Use at your own risk lol
 
Reactions: stang89bidges
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nonails4life

New Member
Nov 29, 2015
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Dec 8, 2015
#9
  • Dec 8, 2015
  • #9
Thanks for the input. Ended up using a bunch of razors since I don't have power/air tools but its pretty darn clean, except the old rtv silicone left a black shadow or something that won't come off but passes the white glove test. Should I put a bit of silicone around all of the water jackets or just on the top and bottom corners?
 
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