302 Lower Intake Rail Gasket

[ptstew]

I have read numerous times about discarding the cork end rail gaskets when replacing the lower 302 intake manifold and using a generous bead of RTV instead to seal the end rails. Does this advice also apply to the blue rubber end rail gaskets that come from Fel-Pro? They look to be pretty well designed to me but this is my first crack at replacing the manifold.

[RickP]

That area on a 302 is notorious to be the source of leaking (in the rear). The rubber gaskets you speak of are better than cork but if they shift in any way during the installation of the intake, you most likely will be creating a source for a leak. A nice thick bead of RTV is the way to go.

[Boydster]

Sometimes those end gaskets are not exactly the right thickness. Using an appropriate RTV makes a custom seal that works much better.

[seagull81]

Make sure you use high temp sealant that is for use with oil.

[ptstew]

Thanks, guys.

[CraigS]

Before using the glue, set the manifold on w/ just the intake gaskets at the heads. Now look at what the gap is at the front and rear walls. Be sure there is a gap. This will tell you how much RTV to use. I know my gap is maybe 1/16 inch so not much RTV needed. You don't want squeezeout to get into the engine where it inevitably clogs the oil pickup. BTW I prefer Ultra Grey because it is a little thicker consistency than blue or black. A real thin smear around the water passages at each end of the intake gaskets, both sides, is a good plan. FelPro gaskets #s
1250 S-3 (port size 1.20" x 2.00")
1262 S-3 (port size 1.28" x 2.10")
1253 S-2 & 1253 S-3 (SVO/Yates head w/port size 1.35" x1.95)
The S-3 is the key to the steel middle layer.