Leaking radiator fluid under right front of intake manifold.

[FORD*DIEHARD]

So I installed a new Edlebrock (2121) manifold with the Felpro 1250s3 gasket and RTV on both side of the gasket just around the water ports. Manifold bolts were torqued per the specs.

It has been (04) days, started to fill the radiator fluid and it started leaking under the right front gasket (photo attached).

So, os there a way this can be resolved without having to remove everything? If I do have to remove everything I'm guessing I have to get all new gaskets and RTV?

Thank you in advance for your time/help,

Sonny

 

[tbratz]

I just went through the same thing on mine that leaked in the same place. I was so frustrated because I had to replace it three times before it didn't leak. The mating surfaces on both the head and manifold seemed fine, maybe it was slightly warped. I think the only thing you can do is try again.

 

[Speedrdr]

If you decide to pull it apart and “re-gasket” the works, turn the intake manifold over and clean the surface good and check with a straight edge to make sure there’s not a warped surface that’s causing a leak. You may have already done that, but it’s a thought.

Randy

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

Alright, thanks for the replies. I was hoping to avoid any complications by purchasing and using a brand new manifold instead of using a used one. This is what I was afraid of, but I want to do it right. Thats why I purchased Looks like everything is coming back off.

Sonny

 

[DirtDonk]

And you are 100% certain that it’s not leaking from the thermostat neck and migrating to that gasket area. Correct?
Not always the problem, of course, but something that does crop up now and then.

 

[Ol'Blue]

And you are 100% certain that it’s not leaking from the thermostat neck and migrating to that gasket area. Correct?
Not always the problem, of course, but something that does crop up now and then.

x2 on this. Happened to me before and didn't notice it was the neck until I watched closely while the engine was running.

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

Positive, haven't even turned the engine on. I just poured (02) gallons of fluid in. At the end of the 2nd gallon we noticed fluid.

So we just removed everything again, re cleaned the engine and intake manifold, going to pick up a new set of gaskets and sealer and try this again.

 

[neilvonarb]

If you buy another set of S3’s, lay them on there and double-check the openings of the two front water jacket openings. On my 1974 original 302 iron heads, the openings of the gaskets hang past the front of the block by maybe a 1/32”. The openings in the gaskets are just barely too big and it leaks. It took two sets for me to figure this out. I ended up just using the standard 1250’s. They get a bad wrap, but they fit and so far, so good (I shouldn’t have just typed that).

 

[DirtDonk]

Yep, just put a jinx on it for sure!
I guess now you need to give us a future update as well.

 

[m_m70]

something looks out of whack here (yellow bad circle)

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

*UPDATE- Well , for those that know me (If it wasn't for bad luck I would have No luck), I was nervous, with all the new parts installed without being able to test. We removed everything again and reinstalled new gaskets. Last night we filled the fluids back up and no leaks. Last night we fired her up and she ran. Minor tweaks and she stayed running. Right now she seems like she is shifting hard at a high idle. Researching this issue the cause points (possibly) to the vaccum modulator. Haven't got that far yet to see which one I have ( I have discovered there are multiple different vaccum modulators with different strip colors).

Next step, is the ""Funnest " that I am sure we ALL ENJOY, finding a store that has the one you need.


Let the searching begin,

I will update again.