Inake gasket install....mistake...question.

[69XP383]

I just installed a new intake and gasket set with valley pan. After tightening the last intake bolt to spec., I turned around and realized I forgot to install two of the four paper gaskets..... .

Gaskets were installed in this order:
1) Paper gasket with RTV on both sides; between head/intake ports  and tin valley pan.
2) Valley pan.
3) Intake with RTV sealing the valley pan and intake.

In a rush to get the assemly together and to keep the RTV from setting I forgot to put the paper gaskets between the intake and valley pan 

My question is do I need the gasket there in the first place or is the RTV sealer good enough? I DID NOT put RTV between the 1-3, 2-4, 5-7, or 6-8 intake ports. What should I do? I really don't want to ruin this $30 gasket set, because I'm sure everything is going to want to "peel off" if I just try to remove the intake from the valley pan.

Brian

[jg68]

I just installed a new intake and gasket set with valley pan. After tightening the last intake bolt to spec., I turned around and realized I forgot to install two of the four paper gaskets..... .

Gaskets were installed in this order:
1) Paper gasket with RTV on both sides; between head/intake ports  and tin valley pan.
2) Valley pan.
3) Intake with RTV sealing the valley pan and intake.

In a rush to get the assemly together and to keep the RTV from setting I forgot to put the paper gaskets between the intake and valley pan 

My question is do I need the gasket there in the first place or is the RTV sealer good enough? I DID NOT put RTV between the 1-3, 2-4, 5-7, or 6-8 intake ports. What should I do? I really don't want to ruin this $30 gasket set, because I'm sure everything is going to want to "peel off" if I just try to remove the intake from the valley pan.

Brian

Don't panic, this has been done before, i'm sure it'll be fine, just fire it up & check for leaks, you'll know in a hurry if there is one

[Rolling_Thunder]

I just installed a new intake and gasket set with valley pan. After tightening the last intake bolt to spec., I turned around and realized I forgot to install two of the four paper gaskets..... .

Gaskets were installed in this order:
1) Paper gasket with RTV on both sides; between head/intake ports  and tin valley pan.
2) Valley pan.
3) Intake with RTV sealing the valley pan and intake.

In a rush to get the assemly together and to keep the RTV from setting I forgot to put the paper gaskets between the intake and valley pan 

My question is do I need the gasket there in the first place or is the RTV sealer good enough? I DID NOT put RTV between the 1-3, 2-4, 5-7, or 6-8 intake ports. What should I do? I really don't want to ruin this $30 gasket set, because I'm sure everything is going to want to "peel off" if I just try to remove the intake from the valley pan.

Brian

Don't panic, this has been done before, i'm sure it'll be fine, just fire it up & check for leaks, you'll know in a hurry if there is one

agreed...    the factory didnt even use intake gaskets...   only the valley pan...    i've done it the same way with no sealer at all...   no leaks   

[firefighter3931]

Don't sweat it.....just check for leaks after it's up and running. 


Ron

[69XP383]

Sweet,

What's the easiest way to check for and/or know if it is leaking after it's up and running?

[67_Dodge_Charger]

To check for leaks, start the engine (let the engine warm up a couple minutes) and spray some starter fluid along the gasket area.  The engine will surge and return to idle.  Another test method is to use a die in a spray and run through the carb.  IF there is a leak you will find the die at the leak points. 

Starter fluid will affect the paint on the valve covers so be careful. 

Robert

[resq302]

Another way to check is to use a propane torch.  Go around the gasket areas with the propane torch unlit so only the propane is coming out slowly.  If there is any vacuum leaks, it will suck in the propane and your idle with either smooth out or increase in RPMS.

[69XP383]

Bonus Thanks,

I always had heard WD-40 or some other type of liquid accelerant worked, but I was hoping to stay away from spraying the recently painted engine with all sorts of "paint strippers".

Never thought of the propane idea...thanks guys...

Brian