SBF Intake Manifold Installation question

[FF33rod]

I've discovered my 347 has a coolant leak into the ports mostly. Have taken it off and starting the clean up process in prep for reinstall.
The components - AFR heads, Edelbrock RPM air gap manifold and Edelbrock intake gaskets (#7220).
I installed initially per Edelbrock instructions: standard gasket sealer around the ports both on the heads and on the head side of the gasket. There was no instructions about using RTV on the coolant ports (only regarding end seals which I did and worked fine).

So, if I look at general info and videos online pretty much everyone is talking about putting RTV around the coolant ports. Engine builders, what do you do? Do you recommend RTV? one side of the gasket? both sides?

Your help is very much appreciated, I do not want to do this again!

Steve

[Geoff H]

Only a weekend warrior engine builder, but I use The Right Stuff around the coolant ports and the manifold side of the gasket. I also only use the steel reinforced intake gasket. I hear you - not much fun doing them. Good luck with it.

Geoff

[ggunter]

I have always used felpro gaskets and put RTV around the water ports and depending on the type of manifold the block end rails. As far as how much to put on the gasket itself I put a strip of silicone on my fingers, squish them together and then rub the ports just to make them sticky. Always remember 95% of silicone squishes out so you don't need to put a bead of it on the gaskets and too much can get in places where you don't want it. If your not using the block end rail gaskets then you would put a bead across the block to where the manifold will make enough contact to push the sealer out a little on the inside and the outside. Good luck it's not a hard job just take your time.