Bummer - Intake manifol leaks that show almost always mean there may be some that don’t and they can lead to some real issues.

Here’s a tried and true method that I have used for a lot of intake manifolds and I cannot remember the last one I had that even thought about a leak.

Use Fel-Pro intake gaskets when installing this intake manifold. I know there are some less expensive ones and those that you can get at NAPA but I like FelPro and have always had really good success with them.

Clean the cylinder head intake flanges and the engine block end surfaces with acetone.

Apply gasket sealer to the head flanges and to the head side of the gaskets, allow to air dry just a bit to let it get a bit tacky, and attach the intake gaskets. I use Gasgacinch.

Throw the cork or rubber end pieces in the trash.

Apply a ¼" bead of Permatex Ultra Black RTV sealer on the ends of the block. Put an extra blob at the four corners where the tab of the gasket meets the end of the block.

Set the intake manifold and loosely install all of the bolts. I like 12 point bolts - Moroso 38400 look good and are nickel plated so they stay rust free for a long time. Key is to use the accompanying washers to get a true torque reading. Put a small dab of Ultra Black on the threads of the eight inner bolts. Trust me here – they can leak and it’s very annoying to have a little oil puddle in these hard to get to places that will smoke and stink.

Torque all the manifold bolts in two steps. Use 10 ft/pounds and start with the four center bolts and work out to the next two in the front and rear until all twelve are at 10 ft/pounds then set your torque wrench at 25 ft/pounds and repeat in the same sequence. Never exceed 25 ft/pounds! It's not good to see the RTV goosh out of the end of the manifold.

One more tip – use a new distributor gasket. Fel-Pro 70194. They cost less than a buck and I buy a dozen or so at a time because it just makes good sense to replace them every time you R&R a distributor. A dab of Vaseline holds it in place on the distributor and then you don’t have to worry about it slipping at the last minute and pinching.

You’re headed in the right direction my friend! Don’t give up now.

Best,
Glenn