Intake Manifold Leaks

[cj062989]

Hey tuners, I have a leak by the intake manifold on my 2g. this is the second motor I swapped and have had that problem ... on the first motor I immediately got a new OEM intake mani gasket and CHANGED it. after the work was completed and i started the car, it turned out that i stiil had that leak .... Before i go ahead and invest any time and money in changing the second one i figured i would consult with the post. I was considering one of those heat barrier gasket, because a friend of mine told me that those type of gaskets are thicker and it will seal up the leak.. I have tried torqing the mani but that didnt work.. If it helps the leak is right oil cap.

HERES WHAT IM LOOKING FOR
1. Im looking for proven methods to stop the leak.

2. I want to know if my friend heat barrier idea was a valid one.

3. I want to know if I can apply any type of adhesive or sealant that would withstand the pressure of the plenum and stop the leak.

4. I want to know how effective the double gasket method is.

Thanks

 

[VTEC_THIS]

I can second the heat barrier intake gasket idea. I've had it on three different DSMs and have never had any problems with it leaking.

 

[rstchris]

Are you talking about an air leak or coolant leak from the mani/head?
You can pull the manifold and bring it to a machine shop and have it surfaced.
The poly gaskets are nice but if there is pitting or a warped surface it will be hard to seal things up with any gasket.

 

[wkmitsu]

1. Change the gasket. Thats what I did when mine had a leak and it's been fine since.

2. The thermal gaskets are not bad, they work well.

3. Not with a thermal gasket, but with an OEM gasket you can put a SMALL amount of RTV on the gasket. I would only put it on the intake manifold side of the gasket. But it's really not necessary. Torque the intake manifold bolts to spec.

4. Don't stack gaskets up, only one is necessary.

 

[cj062989]

my intake manifold is leaking right where the manifold meets the head... no coolant just a vaccum leak... if i resurfaced the manifold wouldnt the head flange/ ports have to be resurfaced too???

 

[wkmitsu]

my intake manifold is leaking right where the manifold meets the head... no coolant just a vaccum leak... if i resurfaced the manifold wouldnt the head flange/ ports have to be resurfaced too???

No not unless it's damaged. They don't need to mate up perfectly together, thats the point of using a gasket. Get a thermal gasket like you mentioned and put that on with the intake manifold bolts torqued to spec, that should fix your problem.

 

[cj062989]

will i need to buy longer intake mani bolts for it......