Intake Manifold Torque

Stephen Rauch · #1 (**permalink**) 01-18-2002, 08:51 AM

I recently replaced my intake manifold gaskets because the one in the back had squeezed out. The job went smoothly. Ran the car up and the front intake manifold gasket squeezed out. Now I have to do this all over again.

I followed the torque ordering when bolting down the manifold. Did it gradually as well. Followed all the directions that I could find.

Quick Questions:

1. If the intake manifold is aluminum do you torque to the orginal 302 specifications? I was torquing to 24 ft-lbs.
2. Any advise to ensure that the gaskets don't squeeze out?

Thanks!

CobraEd · #2 (**permalink**) 01-18-2002, 09:00 AM

I gave up on the end gaskets. Just clean manifold and block very well with brake parts cleaner, and lay down a good bead of blue RTV.

Ed

Stephen Rauch · #3 (**permalink**) 01-18-2002, 09:13 AM

Ed - What would you say was the thickness of the bead? 1/4 in?

CobraEd · #4 (**permalink**) 01-18-2002, 09:20 AM

I guess about 1/4" high maybe a little thicker, by 1/2" wide. It will squish out a little, but not bad. You can trim the excess after it is dry. Put the manifold on when it is still tacky so that it actually bonds to the manifold too. I believe that a lot of people use this approach.

Ed

ERA-FIA · #5 (**permalink**) 01-18-2002, 09:26 AM

Stephen
The information i have seen on torquing an aluminum manifold indicates a max of 18 ft. lbs. One source i can recall off hand is the Eddlebrock catalogue.

cwmcobra · #6 (**permalink**) 01-18-2002, 10:11 AM

I have three Edelbrock aluminum intakes for a 460 and the instructions for all say torque to 25 ft-lbs. Having said that, the engine people I've talked to (including Ford Racing) recommend no end gaskets. Use RTV instead, as already discussed here.

Good Luck

khall · #7 (**permalink**) 01-18-2002, 10:16 AM

Stephen,
Is it possible that your mating surfaces are not parallel? When you built the stroker the machine shop probably decked the head surfaces, did they machine the intake manifold surface to match the new angle? Just a thought.

Slide · #8 (**permalink**) 01-18-2002, 05:56 PM

Stephen, I had the same problem on a 5.0 followed the advice of two Ford engine builders and switched to Permatex black. No more problems. Ford also makes an rtv sealant that is highly recommended. I'm close really close! clyde

Stephen Rauch · #9 (**permalink**) 01-19-2002, 10:26 AM

Thanks everyone for your expert advise and quick response. Based on your feedback and after speaking with the guys at Ford Racing and Summit Racing I am going down the path of using RTV.

If fact the folks at Ford and Summit had the same quick reaction as you guys on the forum - JUNK THOSE END GASKETS.

Thanks Again...