Kestrel Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 I started torquing down my manifold but forgot to insert the 4 metal intake alignments rings into the head. How important are they ? Should I pull the manifold off and put them in ? The manifold was re-surfaced and I have new Remflex gaskets. Thank you !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 If they weren't important the General wouldn't have put them there. If GM could have saved 15 cents by leaving them out they would have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph P. Indusi Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 They were installed to seal the intake manifold to cylinder head. The factory just used these with no exhaust manifold gaskets. To seal the exhaust ports they used a mixture of heavy motor oil and graphite, at least that is what I have read and been told by guys older than me. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron65 Posted March 1, 2019 Share Posted March 1, 2019 Of course, your results may vary (i.e. don't blame me if something goes wrong), but I think you'll be OK if you used the Remflex gaskets (as long as everything lined up when you installed it). Do a vacuum test...if the engine pulls 18" or more steadily, it's probably fine. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kestrel Posted March 1, 2019 Author Share Posted March 1, 2019 Thanks guys. Since I can't blame anyone else, I'll pull it off and re-install with the rings. It's just tough to find a helper when its cold and snowy. The house manager offered to help, but the attention span there is abut 5 seconds....on a good day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted March 1, 2019 Share Posted March 1, 2019 3 hours ago, Kestrel said: Thanks guys. Since I can't blame anyone else, I'll pull it off and re-install with the rings. It's just tough to find a helper when its cold and snowy. The house manager offered to help, but the attention span there is abut 5 seconds....on a good day Re-install the rings. You will worry less and sleep better at night. Trust me on this. 😉 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kestrel Posted March 1, 2019 Author Share Posted March 1, 2019 Rings are in and all bolts torqued down. I was in denial last night. I'm now guilt free. 😊 The Remflex gasket folks say stop at 20 ft pounds, somewhat less than the shop manual's 25-30. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted March 3, 2019 Share Posted March 3, 2019 You did the right thing, all things considered. Having piece of mind rather than anxiety in anticipation that something might happen later on, counts for a lot. Considering how things were done back then, they were probably as much for location purposes (as well as the manifold studs) as for sealing the ports to the manifold. Either ONE of those location methods would be fine, but to have TWO would be better. The difference between 20 ft/lbs and 25 ft/lbs of torque is very minor with normal threads. What you might do is re-check the torque after a few hot-cold engine cycles to make sure it stays at the recommended level. More piece of mind, later on. Enjoy! NTX5467 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now