Re: Vortec intake gaskets leaking coolent?
Re: Vortec intake gaskets leaking coolent?
Never had a problem (3-4 times) on my ty w/vortecs and 1203s. A bit of RTV around the coolant ports on intake + head before setting the gasket down. RTV on the intake bolts every time. Torqued to factory spec.
The best RTV to use on the intake is GM# 88861417 grey RTV. I use this stuff all the time and it's the best stuff i've seen to date from GM. It works in near 0 gap all the way to filling voids such as the ends of intake manifolds. It will seal oil, coolant, axle lube, transfer cases, pretty much anything. If your surfaces are clean when applied, it will stay sealed for the life of the truck. It's the same sealer GM uses to seal crankcase halves, oil pans, and front covers on production engines such as 2.4l ecotec and 3.6l HFV6. If you're sealing something big it's also available in a half caulking tube.
One thing I have not seen mentioned, but is possible. The intake may have been milled more than others for whatever reason. This will cause the intake to be spaced a bit from the head, and will lower clamp load on the gasket. Something you may look into since you're having so many problems getting it to seal.