Lower Intake Rubber Seals

[Ptstew]

In replacing the lower intake manifold, should I use the blue rubber end rail seals that come from FelPro, a bead of RTV, or both?

 

[02 281 GT]

This was covered in depth in another thread not too long ago. The short of it is that this is a contentious issue. You will get people saying with certainty to use them or not to. In fact, my opinion is below.

I would use them with a small dab of RTV at each end. I think the people who say not to use them are simply used to the inferior cork gaskets rather than the PermaDry from FelPro.

 

[Gearbanger67]

Don't think you can go wrong either way, I personally run a bead of RTV. Never had an issue.

 

[Ptstew]

Thanks for your comments, guys. I am leaning toward the RTV.

 

[StratTone]

I've always used the bead of RTV but gave the blue gaskets a shot with a pinch in each corner and it is try as a bone.

 

[Ptstew]

StratTone, did you put the head to intake gaskets on dry, as recommended by FelPro, with no RTV around the water port openings?

 

[StratTone]

Yes I put them on bone dry from intake to head and have always done that. Never ever have I put any rtv on the head. The only rtv I've ever put on a lower intake gasket was when I would remove the cork gaskets and run a bead across the entire front or back on the block in it's place. Just recently I did use the felpro blue gaskets and only put a dab in the corners and it has worked great as well.

 

[Ptstew]

Thanks, StratTone. This is a first and probably only time for me. When I am done should I change oil b4 starting engine, after engine had been run to operating temperature, or both?

 

[Boostedpimp]

I've done it more times then I care to remember and never have had issues with using a bead of RTV

 

[StratTone]

I always change the oil after the intake has been replaced. I wouldn't do a start up before.

 

[mikestang63]

been using RIght Stuff on the china rails for years

 

[Jersey Joe]

Cant go wrong with this stuff