Performer 289 manifold gasket # 7220
I started my manifold gaskets this week. I am replacing them because I am 90% sure I was leaking oil from the rear valley gasket. My advice is, give yourself plenty of time. A weekend, if its your first time. The condition of the vehicle wil also be a factor, of course.
I have an edelbrock performer 289. I am installing Edelbrock gaskets, part number 7220. This truck came with the performer installed, but i dont think the PO used edelbrock gaskets, because it had the cork end pieces, and my 7220s did not. It is possible that they were included in the past, but edelbrock has sincce done away with them. Either way, it is clear that the cork pieces were shifted during placement of the manifold, probably comtributing to the leak.
I've been working on it a couple hours a night, since Tuesday. It took a couple hours to drain the coolant, unbolt, unclamp, and unplug all the linkage, lines, and hoses; unbolt and remove the manifold, and clean up. The next night, I spent a couple more hours cleaning the gasket surfaces, washing the dirty, greasy manifold, and cleaning up. Tonight, I spent about an hour prepping and installing the gaskets and manifold. Tomorrow, I'll put back all of the accessories change the oil, and fill the cooling system.
Tips!:I took lots of pics of the engine, from various angles, invade I forget where something goes.
I bought a box of thick nitrile gloves at harbor freight for $8.00 because I don't want to spend more time washing my hands then I do working on the repair.
I bought a box of rags at homedepot for about 5.00 to aid in the clean up effort.
And last but not least, follow all the advice here in, especially about covering the valley with rags, pluging the ports, and vacuuming the area during and after scraping.
Good luck!