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Back on here again for a buddies 91 vette. He has a coolant leak from the back of the intake, I think it is the intake itself but just wanted to make sure there is nothing else that could be leaking, it appears to be coming from the back drivers side corner. Also is there any supruises I might need to know about to change the intake gasket? I appreciate your help.
There is a coolant steam passage at the rear of either head into the intake base. There is also a steam hose on the rear of the passenger side intake base; check to see if that is leaking coolant onto the intake base and it is making it's way across to the driver side.
Fel Pro makes a nice intake gasket set that makes removing the intake down to the base not bad. You/he will need some black RTV or the Right Stuff to seal the lands across the front & rear of the block where the intake base makes contact. These contact surfaces should be hit with rough sand paper and cleaned with brake cleaner before installing the base.
Most people put a thin layer of sealer on either side of the head to base gaskets around the coolant passages to help assure against leaks.
Once you/he applies sealant to the engine lands the intake base must be set into place immediately; the base must be aligned properly and lowered straight into position. Any fore/aft motion of the base after it has contacted the sealant can lead to oil leaks. Then torque the base to spec in the proper pattern and let is sit for 24hrs. Then you/he can retorque the base and install the remainder of the components.
The intake is real wet on the drivers side with a very little amount of moisture on the passenger side. He had the intake gasket replaced about five years ago and had no problems since. I own a couple of stangs and have experience replacing intakes and gaskets, just never a vette. Figure it can not be to hard but did not know if there are any tips for a vette. There are always " tricks" on all cars though.
'91 has a unique gasket - there are retainers on the outer bolt holes and the heads have been countered bored so the gaskets stay in place. You can use the old gaskets, but the correct ones work muck better.
FelPro makes an intake gasket set that contains all gakets needed:
-base
-runers
-plenum
-tb.
-and more
I get mine at AutoZone for around $35.
It would be a good idea to bag & label the lower runner bolts as they vary in length. It is helpful to either have small Torx bits and/or a long hex wrench of the correct size to access these bolts. Oh, there are two lower runner bolts on the inside of the runners along with the obvious outside ones.
When I pull my fuel rail the lines always seep fuel "forever", so I have to use some looped-back rubber tubing over the ends of the lines to prevent fuel leakage.
Off hand that's about all the "tricks" that come to mind.
The only place I know of to get the gaskets specific to the '91 and current production 113's is a dealer or someone that specializes in TPI such as Street & Performance, http://www.hotrodlane.cc. - (catalogue price for the F Body is $33.95). You can probably also get them through Scoggins Dickey - http://www.sdpc2000.com - ('89 - '90 set lists for $28.95, so I doubt that this $.02 modification which was designed to resolve a long stream of leaking L98 manifolds at GM dealerships is any more). There are two - one for the F body without the rear blockoffs - part #12506361; and one for the Vette with them - part #12525814.. The nice thing is that they're not going to slip when you install the manifold. GM initially designed longer bolts for the outer holes too, but as far as I know, they are no longer in production, though your '91 should have them. The kit includes the runner and correct throttle body gaskets.
Well, I thank you again for all the advise, those hidden bolts are the fun ones. We are going to let it leak for a couple of more weeks before I change it for the guy, I am of to Disney for a long weekend. :hurray:
Well, I thank you again for all the advise, those hidden bolts are the fun ones. We are going to let it leak for a couple of more weeks before I change it for the guy, I am of to Disney for a long weekend. :hurray:
Thanks again for all the advise!!!
Take care and HAVE FUN!!!
Check the Tech Tips section on the Forum. I posted some info on how to install the new gaskets so they won't leak on you down the road.