FE Intake Gasket Installation Tricks?

[Keith Stevens]

I've been dealing with seepage at the corners post installation after dumping the cork gaskets and using TA-31 sealant as recommended by a few here and elsewhere.
I decided to use the cork and glued them to the walls. I am using the Felpro 1247-S3 this time instead of the leaky fibrous Edelbrock gaskets.

It was recommended to use a paper-thin smear of sealer around each port on both intake and head side. 
The issue at hand is the TA-31 sealer seems to be starting to set up faster than I can get everything done and the intake on so I can torque it.
Any suggestions? Old sealer?

I also want to torque it, let the sealer set up and then put the fuel log and coil bracket back on. Should I be concerned with "upsetting" the seal of the intake to the heads doing things this way?

[blykins]

Keith,  I was never a TA31 fan although a lot of other guys seem to like it.  It didn’t really “flow” well to me and it was harder to get into crevices.  At least for me anyway.

The crevice where the head meets the china wall is one of those crevice areas and it needs to be filled or you will have leaks. 

Everyone has their own preference here, but the way I do it is to not use end gaskets, but just use Dow Corning 732.  I can put my caulking gun tip right in the corner where the head meets the block and shoot a dab in there before I lay my bead down.

For gaskets, I prefer Mr Gasket gaskets but again, everyone does things their own way.

To answer your question, you will need a thin layer around the ports on both sides of the intake gasket, and you will need to get the intake seated before it sets up.  Once it’s set up and torqued down, it won’t hurt to remove one or two bolts in order to bolt your accessories down.

[Keith Stevens]

Thank you for the reply and advice, Brent. 
So many loved the TA 31 "diesel" sealant and it's resistance to oil. I agree with you. It has a strange consistency and is difficult to spread being I don't want enough to effect the port opening.  I will get a tube of the 732.

[427LX]

Have had great luck with the Right Stuff sealant for the end sealing. My engine been running now for 10 yrs and no leaks.

[Keith Stevens]

I have to contend with the ports as well. The local parts houses lacked the 732 product. At this late hour I'm debating on what to use in it's place.

[cammerfe]

I, too, believe in 'The Right Stuff'.

KS

[Stangman]

Been using mister gasket ultra seal for as long as I can remember not just on my FE. Never had a leak. Not the regular black silicone it’s got to be the ultra seal. And it’s just like anything else it gotta be clean and dry.

[blykins]

If you can wait a day or two, Keith, Amazon carries the 732.   I love the stuff.  It's clear, so if you do have to blend it with your finger a little bit, it won't look like someone smeared gray/black all over nice new aluminum parts.  It will also come apart easily if need be. 

I had the Right Stuff be porous on me once and leaked at the china wall through a little hole.  I used to use it quite a bit and then it failed me once, so no more LOL  Been using 732 for years.

[Keith Stevens]

I have had a couple issues with this that has clouded my thought process. Pure frustration. The factory lateral support bracket doesn't clear the front side of the front side of the area the bypass hose comes in from. I called Edelbrock, they know this but didn't bother to publish it.  So I spent 388.00 on a polished pump that has to be machined for clearance. I call Edelbrock, and the tech says the drawings show it's .580 thick. The mill broke through at .188.
I took in to a machine shop welder, explained that no materal could be added and the hole needed plugged. The idiot welded quarter inch plate and ground it off destroying the polish and raising the surface up more than it was before it was machined down and the pump has to be completely re-polished at 145.00 after the pump is cut a second time for brace clearance.  I have to go to Boeing in Washington for the 738 Max program changes so my vehicle is inoperable until I return late in the month. My concern is rioting morons post election and it not being able to be moved.

Amazon had slipped my mind in the process of completing the factory AC installation. Anyway, Its ordred. It will be here this evening. Thanks again for the direction and suggestions.

[Keith Stevens]

I installed the intake after the 732 arrived this afternoon. This stuff is great. Clear, and cleans up while wet with 91 Isopropyl alcohol.
Thanks again for the advice.

[wayne]

I use mr gasket intakes with cork ends spray with copper coat and right stuff in the ends.Worked good for years