new intake manifold gasket

[CT River Runner]

Hey guys, I'm seeping a little oil around my starboard side intake manifold on an 86 5.7 mercruiser. I want to replace the gaskets. I know I have to pull the thermostat housing, carb, and distributor. When I pull the distributor does it go right back in the way it came out, no problems? Any tips thoughts, haven't started yet so if any one has done this I would love to hear from them. Thanks

 

[gm280]

Yes the distributor goes back in the exact same way it comes out. Some folks put a mark somewhere to make certain the rotor points the exact same direction. It all works pretty good unless you crank the start over for some reason. Then all bets are off until you retime TDC and the rotor pointing to number one cylinder...

 

[CT River Runner]

Alright, you guys wouldn't happen to have torque specs for the manifold bolts?

 

[Bondo]

Yes the distributor goes back in the exact same way it comes out. Some folks put a mark somewhere to make certain the rotor points the exact same direction. It all works pretty good unless you crank the start over for some reason. Then all bets are off until you retime TDC and the rotor pointing to number one cylinder...

Ayuh,.... It's about the Rotor, more so than the body of the distributor,.....

Ya still gotta retime the motor,....

I take the rubber end pieces that come with the kit, 'n Toss 'em,....

I use Fel-pro gaskets, 'n run a bead of black Rtv along the front, 'n back walls, usin' squirt tubes, the width/ height of the stuff comin' outa the tube,.....
Leavin' just a dab extra on each side to kinda hold the gaskets against the heads, "In-place",....
Then wait 10, 15 minutes or more,.... Let the Rtv skin over, 'n start to set,...
When it does, set the manifold down in-place, 'n install in the usual manor,...

 

[flipbro]

30 foot pounds two stages center out.. Felpro is the way to go and install dry.Sealer only on ends as bondo stated.

 

[duped]

Get yourself a bottle of Aviation Form-A-Gasket and put a thin coat around the water passages. Gives you a little more insurance since they are generally pretty rusty on raw water cooled engines. Very easy to clean up if it ever needs to come off again.

 

[NHGuy]

I'd replace the valve cover gaskets too. There's more oil in there than up high below the intake.

 

[CT River Runner]

Ok, so, when I pull the distributor out I still have to time the motor? I've never done that before. Is that something I can handle without special tools? I did replace the valve cover gaskets with a rubber gasket thinking that was the seep. I ran it a couple days ago and checked for leaks and noticed starboard side of intake, one of the bolts in the middle, I could see little oil bubbles. The timing thing scares me. I'd rather not have to do that, she runs so good right now

 

[CT River Runner]

Flipbro, what do you mean two stages out?

 

[Bondo]

Is that something I can handle without special tools?

Ayuh,.... Ya need a Timin' Light,......

what do you mean two stages out?

That means lightly tighten the bolts in a circular pattern, startin' in the center, workin' outward, in 2 steps, Lightly, then to full torque,...

 

[81 Checkmate]

Before you pull the distrubutor, pull no 1 plug wire off the plug and mark it. Do the same for all the wires.. Then take the dist cap off with the wires attached.... now mark on the manifold where the rotor is pointing. Now pull the dist. As long as you do not turn the motor over it will go right back in the same place. As Bondo is saying you need a timming light to fine tune the setting after you put it back in.. Might want to remove the carb before all this. Take pictures also.

Good Luck!

 

[CT River Runner]

Thanks guys, I'm take some pics and then post them