Stopping L98 intake leaks???????
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Stopping L98 intake leaks???????
I'm in the process of the R+R of my intake. When I removed the base
manifold, all but two of the twelve bolts were little more than finger tight.
When I re-install, I'm hoping to stop this from happening again.
Does anyone here know how to keep the bolts from loosening again?
I'm not so sure the bolts came loose or if the past 15 years of expansion/contraction have allowed the bolts to seem loose due to gasket deterioration.
Would it help to use lockwashers? I'd rather use a thread sealant than locktite, but if locktite is the only way, then so be it.
My Vette only has 23,000 miles.
manifold, all but two of the twelve bolts were little more than finger tight.
When I re-install, I'm hoping to stop this from happening again.
Does anyone here know how to keep the bolts from loosening again?
I'm not so sure the bolts came loose or if the past 15 years of expansion/contraction have allowed the bolts to seem loose due to gasket deterioration.
Would it help to use lockwashers? I'd rather use a thread sealant than locktite, but if locktite is the only way, then so be it.
My Vette only has 23,000 miles.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Re: Stopping L98 intake leaks??????? (corvette_bob)
don't know if we have the same engine mines the iron headed 86, I noticed the same thing the first two bolts from drivers side were just finger tight one was leaking oil the other leaking coolant,many of the intake bolts go into galleries....and you should always use sealer on them....In my c3 days I always used a good silicone gasket maker on the threads, the bolts on this 86 had those pesky torx head bolts and I replaced them with a couple SS 12 points I had that were far easier to get at, anyhoo...I used the sealer and it fixed the leaks I assume it's always helped keep the bolts tight in my c3s because I never had one come loose....now if you got aluminum heads I would be scared to use thread lock for fear of the bolt becoming one with the head....
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Stopping L98 intake leaks??????? (corvette_bob)
Just chase the bolt threads & bolt holes in the heads and coat the bolts with Permatex #2; as some go into the valley and some into the water jacket.
Then torque the bolts to spec, allow the black RTV to cure for a day or two and retorque the bolts before installing the rest of the intake.
If they last another 19yrs consider it good service.
Then torque the bolts to spec, allow the black RTV to cure for a day or two and retorque the bolts before installing the rest of the intake.
If they last another 19yrs consider it good service.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 6
From: NW MN
Re: Stopping L98 intake leaks??????? (65Z01)
Just chase the bolt threads & bolt holes in the heads and coat the bolts with Permatex #2; as some go into the valley and some into the water jacket.
Then torque the bolts to spec, allow the black RTV to cure for a day or two and retorque the bolts before installing the rest of the intake.
If they last another 19yrs consider it good service.
Then torque the bolts to spec, allow the black RTV to cure for a day or two and retorque the bolts before installing the rest of the intake.
If they last another 19yrs consider it good service.
Just did mine that way. I've done it to every small block I've ever done with great results.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,870
Likes: 25
From: Long Island, NY
Re: Stopping L98 intake leaks??????? (86Pacecar)
I don't use any lock washer or anything like that.
Just torque the bolts to spec, 35lbs , I believe.
They will not loosen.
The key to a successfull intake install is carefully laying the intake down on the heads without moving the intake at all. Make sure ALL the bolt holes line up so you don't shift the intake.
I use 2 studs in the heads to help line up the intake. After the intake is layed down, just pull the 2 studs out and all the bolt holes will be lined up.
Hope that helps.
Vic
Just torque the bolts to spec, 35lbs , I believe.
They will not loosen.
The key to a successfull intake install is carefully laying the intake down on the heads without moving the intake at all. Make sure ALL the bolt holes line up so you don't shift the intake.
I use 2 studs in the heads to help line up the intake. After the intake is layed down, just pull the 2 studs out and all the bolt holes will be lined up.
Hope that helps.
Vic
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Re: Stopping L98 intake leaks??????? (65Z01)
If I coat the bolts with permatex #2 and then retorque in a day or two,
won't that mess up the seal created by the permatex #2? :eek:
Something else I'm gonna try is using a counterbore to spot-face the holes.
Bolt heads going down onto an uneven surface (IMO) just won't maintain their clamping force. :nono:
By the way, I sure do appreciate the help you guys are giving. :thumbs:
won't that mess up the seal created by the permatex #2? :eek:
Something else I'm gonna try is using a counterbore to spot-face the holes.
Bolt heads going down onto an uneven surface (IMO) just won't maintain their clamping force. :nono:
By the way, I sure do appreciate the help you guys are giving. :thumbs:
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Re: Stopping L98 intake leaks??????? (corvette_bob)
In my little mind retorquing would mess up the silicone but most times in the real world it doesn't, the thing is on Chevy with the bolts going into galleries you just gotta use sealer or they will leak,
and the plastic intake end gaskets are junk in most cases, it's far better just to run a bead of silicone on the intake ends....at least the pros swear by it....
:thumbs:
[Modified by The13Bats, 2:05 AM 4/24/2003]
and the plastic intake end gaskets are junk in most cases, it's far better just to run a bead of silicone on the intake ends....at least the pros swear by it....
:thumbs:
[Modified by The13Bats, 2:05 AM 4/24/2003]