Hi, Have a low miler (47,000) 383 and have had some leaks into the valley pan. Upon removing and checking the intake fit to the heads, there is a .005 gap between the intake surface and the head on the right front and left rear...... almost like either the heads are not in parallel or the intake is tweaked. I am not experienced in this area, so I guess my question is, is this .005 too much of a gap to close up with the valley pan gasket??? or is that much of a gap pretty much normal?
I have used a straight edge on the intake manifold and both sides are perfectly flat.
Any input would be appreciated, Thanks, trim

 

First thing I would look at is making sure its installed correctly and the bolts are not cross threaded. But I dont have experience with this exact issue.

 

0.005 is not really that much over all. Would the gasket make up for it? Yes sorta. Its hard to describe but it will seal mostly. Why did it happen? Because one of the heads or both has just enough play to make the difference.

You can try with a new pan gasket and see if it seals with no problems. If, although unlikely, it doesnt change head gaskets install them in place wet but only hand tight, install intake again hand tight then torgue down heads remove intake and retorque heads then install intake again. Again probably wont have to do that but it can be done. These engines have a very tiny amount of leeway to play with.

 

Hi all, Thank you for the response's, I feel better about this now,,,, wasn't sure before.
Thanks, trim