VP New Intake Manifold Gasket Issues

[jaza-g]

Hey guys. Got a VP V6. Had a leak from rear drivers side of intake manifold gasket. Replaced it bout a month ago. Seemed to be fine at the time. No leaks, great compression. Done a couple long trips up to the country. I think the gasket shrunk quite a bit so I tightened the bolts up. Now another week passed n still leaking tiny bit. Just wondering if anyone can tell me whats the best tool to use with the rear bolts. Pretty hard to get to. My sockets, extensions and swivel arms just dont seem to be able to do it. Appreciate any help.

 

[jaza-g]

Subscribing.

 

[hi_ryder]

did you use a little rtv sealant in the corner joins of the 4 gaskets?

 

[jaza-g]

Certainly did. Im sure I did everything right. Thinking I might have to take throttle body off to tighten the rear bolts. I got the gaskets for it and didnt actually take it off when I replaced the IM gasket. Checked pretty much everything else. Welsh plugs are pretty new. Dont really know what else it could be.

Is it possible to maybe fit a 3/8 spanner in there to tighten those rear bolts, if I can get my hands on one?

 

[hi_ryder]

that might be it, just need a little more torque on those back bolts. i think i used a normal spanner on the back ones, but it was like 4 years ago when i did it...

 

[bundybear75]

I'm pretty sure I used a ring spanner as well to tighten the back bolts.....Actually I think I needed a spanner for a number of them.

 

[somefool]

yes 3/8 ring spanner even a stubby if u cant get a standard length one in there. works a treat

 

[VPRob]

Gregorys says torque settings for the inlet manifold bolts is only 8 - 12 Nm which I think is 6 - 8 lb/ft. On the torque wrench I borrow from a mate those settings are so low as to be pretty much inoperable.
I dont know if you can do higher settings with the alloy gaskets from Mace but I guess there is a real danger of crushing the plastic ones that are standard.
I've only done inlet manifolds once and they lasted until the con-rod went through the side of the motor when some joy-riders nicked the car.