RTV on instake manifold gasket?

[sewebster]

Should I use RTV on the intake manifold gaskets? I was thinking just a little on the coolant ports but not anywhere else? This is a 91 VG30E.

Edited September 30, 2010 by sewebster

[Tungsten]

NO!!

 

use a real gasket

[sewebster]

That was rather emphatic

 

I do have a "real gasket" or at least, I think it is real, they came from a sealed power/fel pro engine gasket kit. They do seem to have some rubbery parts on the coolant port portions. I'm not sure if you were objecting to the thought of using no gasket whatsoever, or to the thought of adding some RTV to the gasket.

[unccpathfinder]

Think that Was clear...its like a $5-10 gasket ...rtv could throw a code and if it fails the engine is in jeapordy

[sewebster]

Yeah, so I think you guys were under the impression I was going to forego the gasket altogether! Sorry for the confusion. Nevertheless, I'm guessing your replies mean that you rely on only the gasket and it seals things fine without the RTV, so thanks

[Tungsten]

Yes, do not use RTV on the gasket. If the gasket is good, it will seal without RTV.

[nismothunder]

Do not just put the gasket in,you do need to seal it with Gasket selac compound...

Edited September 30, 2010 by nismothunder

[Tungsten]

Not always...

Sometimes it is just better to set the gasket on a clean surface and that's it. Putting stuff on it will only make the gasket crush faster. Also, the sealer may be dissolved away with fuel vapors.

[unccpathfinder]

Ive never used anything other than the gasket and been fine...refer to the fsm for anything that needs sealant....

[Kingman]

The lower intake manifold gasket is metal with rubber linings. If it's good, it will never require any kind of additive to seal. Keep in mind also, if you squeeze the RTV between the manifold and cylinder heads, it beads out of the sides and hardens, the flow of air, fuel, and coolant through the system will be dampened and could be enough to break little pieces loose and suck them right through the engine.

[sewebster]

Yeah, thanks. I've been convinced Got distracted drilling out bigger holes for my exhaust manifold studs so I still haven't installed the intake

[Tungsten]

be careful to not drill into the water jacket there

[sewebster]

be careful to not drill into the water jacket there

 

Yeah, I think it is ok. My understanding is that people often switch up to the VG33 studs which are 10 mm. Are they even the same heads actually? Anyway, I went to M10x1.5 instead of the M10x1.25 from the VG33 but same diameter.