Shaun M Johnson
Active Member
1997 Ford Expedition XLT SOHC VIN L 5.4L v8 Modular 330 Windsor 4WD
I have the aluminum intake manifold with the coolant outlet tube located in the rear right (passenger side) underneath the engine firewall. The tube connects to the heater core. The engine was just rebuilt. The tube leaks at the base where it meets the intake manifold. Note that the installed coolant tube is brand new. I have since ordered another new tube to replace the other one being that I know it won't come out without a fight. My question is... how can I ensure a good seal since this is a lot of work to do, and abusive to the intake manifold gasket. I'm thinking high temp RV gasket maker around the tube before installing will solve my issue but, for how long? Is this the best route beyond buying a new intake manifold? Some people JB weld there tube. What happens when that tube goes bad? I'm thinking this isn't a good idea. I'm hesitant on buying a new manifold because I don't want to convert from aluminum to plastic. So, what I want to know is, what do you guys think is the best way to install the tube and "guarantee" a tight seal? One last thought, in the photos you will notice the installed tube is banged up around the base flange. That is because I beat the tube into place with a large flathead screwdriver. I will install it with a slip-over pipe this time or a make-shift press to avoid boogering up the flange again. The tube started leaking after adding the initial 3 1/2 gallons of coolant to the system after the engine install. It also leaks when rolling over the engine, despite that it wouldn't start. Please spew your knowledge all over this thread
I have the aluminum intake manifold with the coolant outlet tube located in the rear right (passenger side) underneath the engine firewall. The tube connects to the heater core. The engine was just rebuilt. The tube leaks at the base where it meets the intake manifold. Note that the installed coolant tube is brand new. I have since ordered another new tube to replace the other one being that I know it won't come out without a fight. My question is... how can I ensure a good seal since this is a lot of work to do, and abusive to the intake manifold gasket. I'm thinking high temp RV gasket maker around the tube before installing will solve my issue but, for how long? Is this the best route beyond buying a new intake manifold? Some people JB weld there tube. What happens when that tube goes bad? I'm thinking this isn't a good idea. I'm hesitant on buying a new manifold because I don't want to convert from aluminum to plastic. So, what I want to know is, what do you guys think is the best way to install the tube and "guarantee" a tight seal? One last thought, in the photos you will notice the installed tube is banged up around the base flange. That is because I beat the tube into place with a large flathead screwdriver. I will install it with a slip-over pipe this time or a make-shift press to avoid boogering up the flange again. The tube started leaking after adding the initial 3 1/2 gallons of coolant to the system after the engine install. It also leaks when rolling over the engine, despite that it wouldn't start. Please spew your knowledge all over this thread