Any Tips on replacing Intake Manifold Gasket

[tcav]

Installed Weber 32/36 today,1973 GT runs like a new car now. Even after re-build the old Solex would not hold an idle.Anyway in the process discovered vacuum leak at intake manifold.
I would appreciate any input on replacing this gasket!!!!!!

[First opel 1981]

Originally Posted by tcav Installed webber 32/36 today,1973 GT runs like a new car now.Even after re-build the old solex would not hold an idle.Anyway in the process discoverd vacum leak at intale manifold. I would appreciate any input on replaceing this gasket!!!!!!

If its just the gasket then its an easy half hour job (usually) to replace it. In many cases you don't even have to remove the carbureator. Just take the 6 (15mm) bolts loose and the intake/exhaust manifolds come right off. Remove the gasket (usually stays in one piece) and then replace it with a new one.
It is easier if you remove the thermostat housing and the carb heat shield but it can be done without doing that.

[tcav]

Did it exactlly like you said.Little tight getting to the bolts but it is done.
no more vacume Leak.
thanks

[First opel 1981]

You are welcome.

Glad I could help.

[AZManta]

After replacing the gasket, re-torque after a few hundred miles and again after 1-2000 miles. You will find that the gasket will compress.

[stosh562]

hey, before you replaced that intake gasket, did your car run ok at higher rpm and wouldn't idle with out stalling? just wondering if i developed that same problem with the intake gasket. i rebuilt the original solex but wasn't sure if i missed something. ran great for a few weeks then suddenly wouldn't idle, barely start, did manage to coax it home but it wasn't pretty. i have another solex to try but am thinking about that intake gasket.

[First opel 1981]

Originally Posted by stosh562 hey, before you replaced that intake gasket, did your car run ok at higher rpm and wouldn't idle with out stalling? just wondering if i developed that same problem with the intake gasket. i rebuilt the original solex but wasn't sure if i missed something. ran great for a few weeks then suddenly wouldn't idle, barely start, did manage to coax it home but it wasn't pretty. i have another solex to try but am thinking about that intake gasket.

Can I offer advice? Too late, I'm doing it....

Get rid of the solex and pick up a Weber. I know, the solex is stock and you might want to keep it "stock" but I think most would agree that a Weber is an OK substitute even on a 100% stock Opel.
I had a Solex on my first GT. I battled it left and right. Sometimes it would run like a dream and sometimes it wouldn't idle if gawd himself blessed it. I had it like that for over a year till I swapped the Weber in and never looked back. The Weber was straight off of a Pinto in the wrecking yard. I pulled it and placed it and it did hundreds of time better than the Solex.

Just an opinion and all...

[tcav]

Stosh.Replace the solex,I rebuilt mine when I first got the car i November Still could not get the car to idle,found a weber 32/36 on e bay paid $66.00 for it and a brand new aircleaner the gentalman sent along with it.put it on and adjusted it to the best of my ability.car idled perfect at 900 rpms even with the small vacume leak.
tom

[Dale .D]

Originally Posted by tcav Stosh.Replace the solex,I rebuilt mine when I first got the car i November Still could not get the car to idle,found a weber 32/36 on e bay paid $66.00 for it and a brand new aircleaner the gentalman sent along with it.put it on and adjusted it to the best of my ability.car idled perfect at 900 rpms even with the small vacume leak. tom

I had vacuum leaks out the ying yang too.This is a bit of work but it's worked great ever since.Get a sprint manifold or modifly the exhaust manifold you have.Better yet maybe OGTS have there new headers ready.Check manifold for flushness .Have it shaved if neccesary. This will let you loose the heat shield which is a constant source of leaks.Check both surfaces for flushness & put in shorter thread bolts.Extra thick washer for carb & new gasket for exhaust manifold.May want to use the permetex stuff for surfaces. Some do some don't . There's some debate on this. Anti sieze on exhaust bolts. If you do all this you might as well do some mild porting of the intake as per Rally bobs instrucktions.good luck

[razor's edge]

Even though I have a Solex on my GT as soon as it gives me problems I'm getting rid of it. They seem to be kind of plagued; picking what speed they want to idle at, just plain temperamental. The Weber is the way to go!