Question about intake manifold gaskets

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Feb 1, 2020 | 10:02 AM

Dave M

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Question about intake manifold gaskets

I am replacing my intake manifold gaskets and the new gaskets (Felpro) have two small plastic tabs on them to help hold the gasket in place. It seems like these plastic tabs would keep the intake manifold from sealing tightly against the head in this area, causing oil leaks. Should I be using an RTV with the gaskets to help eliminate this possibility? Will the plastic piece crush enough that it won't be a problem? Sorry, this is probably a pretty elementary question. Picture below.

Feb 1, 2020 | 11:13 AM

SS RRR

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From: Jackstandican

No. Put them on dry. Retorque intake bolts after about a week’s worth of driving. Those gaskets have a tendency to shrink after several heat cycles.

Last edited by SS RRR; Feb 1, 2020 at 11:22 AM.

Feb 1, 2020 | 12:11 PM

BALLSS

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FelPro and stock intake gaskets have those tabs, normal.

I prefer the FelPro "printo" seal intake gaskets. They have the blue stripe sealant around each port

Feb 2, 2020 | 12:37 PM

Vicious95Z28

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From: Elkton, Va

Also, don't be bashful about using a bit of blue loc-tite on the intake bolts when you torque them down. It'll help prevent them from backing out with heat cycles which could possibly lead to premature leaks and it also works to kinda seal the threads and prevents oil from crawling up around the threads.

Feb 2, 2020 | 12:48 PM