Inlet manifold gasket

[hainzy]

Hi all. My vn era 304 has been running really rough. Coughs and farts and feels like its not running on all cylinders... All plugs and injectors are ok. Compression is ok too. I had a mate spray some cfc near the manifold which he said got sucked in and made it run worse. He reckons now that its got a leak in the manifold inlet gaskets.... Does this sound about right?

[wayner]

Sure does,simple but effective.

[wnt 17]

as above said but when u do the gasket make sure u retighten it week later

[hainzy]

Thanks guys. I didnt realise a leaky gasket there could make the car run so crappily. I had a read through a lot of posts about it and reckon ill attack it in the next couple of weeks. So just to double check..

Allow time...
Drain all coolant first.
Change coolant and water after..
Retighten a week later...
Dont go for cork gaskets...
Use the proper gasket sealing stuff.
Place silicon around water jacket areas etc..

Qs..
Are the aluminium or plastic gaskets better?
Do I need to get a torque wrench to do the job properly?
While Im there is there other stuff I should do?
Do you need sealant on both sides of the gasket or just one?

Cheers.

[VR38]

Qs..
Are the aluminium or plastic gaskets better?
Do I need to get a torque wrench to do the job properly?
While Im there is there other stuff I should do?
Do you need sealant on both sides of the gasket or just one?

Cheers.

I try use ACL gaskets where i can.

IMO you should use a torque wrench on every nut and bolt.

FWIW there are so many other things to do and check, it seems you would be better off spending the $20 or $30 or borrowing the correct service manual for your car, everything is explained there for you.
Best money ever spent is on the service manual for your car.

[hainzy]

Thanks guys. Good advice. Might try to track a manual down.

[Defected]

Done my inlet manifold gasket a month back, IMO retighten all the bolts the next day, assuming the engine has gotten hot and has gone cold again it should be fine,
Also do your bolts up in a pattern working from the middle to the outside as it will help to position the new gasket properly.
I have no real mechanical experience and i was able to do this job with little help, didnt need a torque wrench really but might help.
Just make sure you take the time to clean all the surfaces, i think i spent about two hours cleaning all up.