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Intake manifold seal

PostPosted: Fri Jun 21, 2019 9:56 pm
by Mark.A
I am just concerned about the sealing of manifold to cylinder head as one of my heads has lost some metal at the o-ring groove.I was reading on the xl forum about two wraps of electrical tape to help sealing or go with the later type of bands.Hey what about heat shrink wrap they do make 2 inch.Any input on this would be appreciated

Re: Intake manifold seal

PostPosted: Sat Jun 22, 2019 10:39 pm
by curiousgeorge
Depending on how much metal is missing would determine my decision. I use just over one wrap of tape. I wrap the manifold while off with the sticky part out and give it an extra 1/4 in. and when I apply the tape I try to stretch the tape to make it as smooth as possible. If too much metal is gone, enough to allow the o'ring to be pushed or protrude into the intake tract I would recommend using the plastic adapters that fill the ledges and give a smooth transition from head to manifold and then use the bands. When using the bands I prefer the OEM style split clamps and do not, I repeat, do not over tighten the clamps.

Re: Intake manifold seal

PostPosted: Sat Jun 22, 2019 10:43 pm
by curiousgeorge
I should have noted the part about the tape on the manifold is to get the correct length, then sticky side down when applying.

Re: Intake manifold seal

PostPosted: Sun Jun 23, 2019 9:33 pm
by jOe
I’ve used the black electrical tape on intake manifolds since 1969. I’ve had chips out of the ports on a few but I don’t recall having a problem with them sealing. There’s no substitute for manipulating the heads to fit the manifold as tightly as possible though. It’s not the greatest engineering design ever to come out of the factory, I’ll favor the K gland nuts every time. As far as the clamps go, early style,late style, aftermarket ,they all stink.

Re: Intake manifold seal

PostPosted: Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:03 pm
by Mark.A
Hey Curiousgeorge and Joe thanks for the input on this.The damage to one head is just a chip about 1/8 inches.I did line up manifold and heads Best I could plus have a air cleaner support.But i will go for the tape and give it a try

Re: Intake manifold seal

PostPosted: Mon Jun 24, 2019 10:10 am
by mikeslemmon
Sporty Parts sells a set of manifold clamps and seals made just for this problem.