Explorer swap Lower factory intake

[Postalpal]

let’s talk lower intakes from a 96 explorer
when replacing the intake gasket some say just use a gasket on the sides only , some say use a light coat around the coolant ports
what’s your opinion on that & the best silicone to use a bead of on the ends ?
thank you

 

[Wild horse 75]

Throw out the end seals, they don’t work. Personally I use The Right Stuff. I run a small bead around each water port and connect that to the bead that I run on the ends.

 

[1969miller]

i use the seals at the end with RTV on both sides, if they're not provided i will cut my own from a sheet of cork.

 

[EFI Guy]

I throw the end seals in the trash ands use about a 3/8" bead of Reinzosil (similar to Right Stuff).
Light coat around coolant ports and then wiped mostly away with a rubber glove on your finger. The idea being to just let it fill any pitted spots.
Cut 4 pieces of 5/16" all thread and use in the 4 corners to align the intake, this way you are setting the intake straight down and not smearing the silicone for the end seals.