QuestionRebuilt engine installed in my 1979 corvette about 1,500 miles ago. Small visiable leak from the two front ( closest to the fan ) intake manifold bolts. Someone told me to remove them and apply sealent. I drained the antifreeze, removed the two front intake bolts, applied sealent and replaced them. The next day, I filled up the antifreeze and the leak appeared to be repaired. Now, about 400 miles later the leak has reappeared only much worse. I assume the intake maniford ( an after maket new manifold ) was installed incorrectly. I don't know, for example if it is important to tighten the bolts in a certain pattern and which bolts require sealent? Also, I assume the bolts must be tightened to a certain tork. I could really use your help on this problem
The 1979 corvette was the last year that they had carburators. Also, this new engine has a new water pump, radiator, and new thermostat.
Answer IF I were you I would replace the intake gaskets, but I would first try and take one bolt at a time and put a lot of silicone sealer on them and than tighten them up I would start from the center bolts and work outwards on each side and I would snug them up and when warm re tighten them.
This is how I would do it, as there is a torque for them I think it is around 35 or so but I do it by hand snug and from the middle bolts out to the end bolts and if the manifold is an aluiminium one be carefull when doing it and use lock washers on it if alum.and if you do end up replacing the manifold gaskets make shure you clean the old stuff off it good.
good luck,
