Leaking fuel bowl screw gaskets

[FWB]

any casting flash in the counter-bore where the gasket seats?
i guess i'm reaching to substantiate the leak in my mind

[Tom Wells]

FWB,

Is there any chance the screws are a little bit too long, and bottom in a blind hole?

I've seen this with valve cover bolts...

Tom

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by Tom Wells

FWB,

Is there any chance the screws are a little bit too long, and bottom in a blind hole?

I've seen this with valve cover bolts...

Tom

I've seen that with oil pan bolts. But these are the original slotted bowl screws. Don't think this is it.

[69boss429]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

I've seen that with oil pan bolts. But these are the original slotted bowl screws. Don't think this is it.

If the bolts are the original slotted ones they may actually be to short with the new gaskets as they are thicker than the originals especially the white plastic ones
I ran into that as well and found that the hex head bolts are just a bit longer allowing better bite into the threads and holding better as well
This also allowed me to retorque in place with dual fours which was difficult with slotted screws

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by 69boss429

If the bolts are the original slotted ones they may actually be to short with the new gaskets as they are thicker than the originals especially the white plastic ones
I ran into that as well and found that the hex head bolts are just a bit longer allowing better bite into the threads and holding better as well
This also allowed me to retorque in place with dual fours which was difficult with slotted screws

I feel like I am getting enough bite and they are torquing properly. Black nylon Holley gaskets were def thinner than the white ones.

I think my next steps are to double check the bolts with a square to be sure they are true and the head is square to the bolt and inspect the surface on the bowl one more time. Assuming that is good, I will switch to the paper holley gaskets that arrive in a few days.

As for tightening the screws when the carb is back on the car with the Tpan in place, I am able to do it with a slot bit and a ratcheting box wrench. That's what I did last year, but I'd like to not have to screw around with it this year. (Although now that it's been an issue I'll probably check it every time I go out anyway....)

[patrickt]

The beauty of that UV dye is that it really tells you where you're leaking. There's no arguing with it, no guessing, no wondering if that's a wet spot or your imagination.

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by FWB

any casting flash in the counter-bore where the gasket seats?
i guess i'm reaching to substantiate the leak in my mind

Nope.