is this normal?

[Crispy]

Many people including myself like to skip the rubber end gaskets and run a 1/4 inch bead of rtv instead. The rubber gaskets can push out.

While you're torquing or after its set? Dont make me worried man lol

 

[bucket]

While you're torquing or after its set? Dont make me worried man lol

They just can push out over time. Not always, just sometimes. A proper working pcv system should keep it from happening. Unless there's a lot of blow-by.

 

[Crispy]

They just can push out over time. Not always, just sometimes. A proper working pcv system should keep it from happening. Unless there's a lot of blow-by.

Got ya. I should be alright, and if it fails then I'll know what not to do for next time as I talk the Mrs into some expensive swap.

 

[DoubleDingo]

Many people including myself like to skip the rubber end gaskets and run a 1/4 inch bead of rtv instead. The rubber gaskets can push out.

I used to use the gaskets but started using ultra black rtv a few years ago due to the adjustability of it. Even using the gaskets and rtv on the corners a leak can develop. But a nice bead of rtv will fill the gaps. A coworker told me about taking a chisel and making a small line along the middle of the back of the block to give the rtv something to bite into, helping it to stay put. I have only done that to the block in my '81 because the GM Performance vortec intake doesn't follow the bend-pattern on the back of the block like it should. The line in the block seemed to help...no leaks.

 

[MrMarty51]

Doing the intake gaskets and noticed the distributor cap. Do you replace the coil on top too? I'm assuming its wore out

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That is a sign of bad spark plug wires and or bad plugs.
The resistance is backing up the voltage in the form of heat and too much spark jumping around in the cap.

 

[shiftpro]

The Right Stuff by Permatex.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

The Right Stuff by Permatex.

Just say no to the shmoo lol

 

[bucket]

I used to use the gaskets but started using ultra black rtv a few years ago due to the adjustability of it. Even using the gaskets and rtv on the corners a leak can develop. But a nice bead of rtv will fill the gaps. A coworker told me about taking a chisel and making a small line along the middle of the back of the block to give the rtv something to bite into, helping it to stay put. I have only done that to the block in my '81 because the GM Performance vortec intake doesn't follow the bend-pattern on the back of the block like it should. The line in the block seemed to help...no leaks.

The earlier small blocks actually had a few small holes drilled and the end gaskets had little pegs that went into those holes. I don't know when they quit doing that.

 

[Croc1990]

That's what my truck has going on. Its an 83 but motor was swapped with a 350 from a 70's chevelle i was told.