"Geoff" <geoff_fahl_1@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:9khvjr$983$1@bent.twistedbits.net...
> Could you explain the intake belly pan gasket? I don't really understand
> what you mean.
>
> Thanks Geoff
>
>
> > Also, do the intake belly pan gasket test to make sure that sucker is
> > sealing. It can lead to pinging and possibly reduced mileage.
> > HTH
> > --
I'm not sure if this was ever a problem on the V6's, but it was on the V8
Magnums, at least in the GenII Dakotas. The intake manifold, as used on the
Magnum engines, was a new design and contained a belly pan (the manifold was
a two-piece system). The gasket where the belly pan attached to the main
(upper) part of the manifold was prone to leakage. According to MoPar's
performance insiders, the best fix is to replace the gasket with RTV
sealant, NOT another gasket. Below is an article from MoPar Performance
News that I've posted several times over the last coupla years.
-- Remove .your.underwear to reply --SOURCE: MoPar Performance News, Tech Tips, by Larry Shepard - Mopar Chief Engineer
The problem is related to the gasket that seals the cover to the bottom of the manifold on the Magnum engines. If this gasket does not seal properly, the engine can suck in oil vapors from the lifter valley and cause the engine to detonate due to the aggressive spark advance curve used in the Magnum computers. Remembering where this gasket is located, this is not the first thing that you want to do. It could be expensive and time consuming to pull off the intake to check. However, we have a helpful tip. To determine if there is a proper seal, remove the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve from the right hand valve cover, but leave the PCV valve attached to the hose from the intake manifold. Remove the breather hose from the left-hand valve cover that goes to the air cleaner. Plug-off the connection at the valve cover. With the engine idling, place your thumb over the opening where the PCV valve was located. After 10-15 seconds you should feel pressure, which indicates that the gasket is sealing. If you feel a vacuum, the gasket is leaking and needs to be repaired. The best repair is to remove the intake manifold, remove the bottom plate and discard the failed or leaking gasket. Clean all the surfaces thoroughly, and apply a bead of Mopar RTV sealant, PN 82300235 to the bottom of the manifold. Re-install the plate, let dry and then re-install the manifold. Refer to the service manual for manifold installation tips and details.
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