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Bronco 351W intake gasket issue

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Gsmblue

Bronco 351W intake gasket issue

I finally took the intake manifold off Espy today.

As you can see from the pic below the old (less that 2 years) gasket failed pretty bad at the top middle of the Passenger side.

Now, when i mated up the new gasket (felpro 1250s) it doesn’t cover the top middle oil hole!!

This is exactly where the old gasket failed!

How do i find a gasket that will actually fit the engine?

Advice greatly appreciated as always!

1985.5 F-150 XL Explorer standard cab 5.0 EFI AOD 4x4
Daily Driver. We call her Eunice the Ute.

1982 Bronco XLT Lariat 351W AOD 4x4
Code name Esperanza, or Espy to her friends. Please see my Project thread for the blow by blow.

1984 F-350 XL Centurion crew cab 460 T19 4x4
"Eylza Dual-little"

Rembrant

Re: Bronco 351W intake gasket issue

I thought they were blind holes (don't go anywhere)?

I remember seeing the same thing on my 302 (with the same heads) when I pulled my engine out. They were like that from the factory, with the gasket not fully covering those holes. Isn't it just a shallow blind hole?

1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

Gsmblue

Re: Bronco 351W intake gasket issue

Ah! Maybe. That would be nice!

It is chilly outside, i will poke around tomorrow.. if they are blind i will install these gaskets.

Jetlag really messes with your head, I can’t think straight today!

Rembrant

Re: Bronco 351W intake gasket issue

I remember seeing that myself and wondering what was up, but check them anyway. I think they are just dead holes.

Gsmblue

Re: Bronco 351W intake gasket issue

Looking back at old pics they were blocked in the past.

Gary Lewis

Re: Bronco 351W intake gasket issue

Administrator

Not sure I see where they are completely blocked in the old pic, but maybe I'm missing something?

I think they are blind holes.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Gsmblue

Re: Bronco 351W intake gasket issue

It’s hard to see as they are blocked 🤣

There was RTV and a gasket covering them, it is hard to see.

Weather should be 55-60 on Tuesday so i will install the intake then.

Thanks for the help!!

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Bronco 351W intake gasket issue

Administrator

In reply to this post by Gsmblue

And now you've lost another hour....

Maybe you should check that the manifold and head surfaces are reasonably straight?
It doesn't seem right to lose a gasket like that in two years.

I usually torque in two stages, and then go back over it just to get a click from the wrench.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

Gsmblue

Re: Bronco 351W intake gasket issue

When I installed the gaskets last time, I was never happy with the gaskets or the process.. I thought the rtv would have failed before the gaskets though.

As I am waiting for warmer weather, I have ordered ARP studs for the intake and valve covers..

Angelo Voltura

Re: Bronco 351W intake gasket issue

I would also double check another set of gaskets. Recently on Facebook and actually at my work I have had a few customers come in with Fel Pro and Edelbrock gaskets that are completely incorrectly made. Bolt holes not lining up, too long etc.

Big reason why this time I opted for Mahle gaskets.

1978 F150 351W
1979 F150 "410M"
1979 F100 302
1979 F250 400
1987 F150 300
1990 F150 302
1991 F150 300
1995 F150 (1985 clip swapped) 300
1997 F250 351W