Thread: Intake gasket w/ RTV?

I had the coolant leak with visible coolant in the injector valleys on both sides of the engine. Once I removed the LIM, I inspected the gaskets and was surprised to not see cracking, damage, missing rubber inserts...or anything that would lead to leaks.

I got my hands on a new set of OEM intake gaskets. Would it help to add a film of RTV around the coolant passages? Are there a better set of gaskets I should use?

Any advise would help.

a dab of RTV in each corner.

Also, return those gaskets and get the ones for the 04 3800... metal retainer.

Originally Posted by matt5112

a dab of RTV in each corner.

Also, return those gaskets and get the ones for the 04 3800... metal retainer.

yes, get the updated gasket set, I also have been told locally to use new bolts with a little threadlock on them as sealer

in my op, i'd put a little around coolant passages. u'll get several opinions on this, hahaha

Thanks for the replies.

Matt5112, are you referring to OEM or aftermarket gaskets? Got a part #?

NAPA has the updated gasket kit, probably avail elseware too. Just tell the salesman that you want the updated kit with metal inserts. They should know what you mean as this is a common problem with the 3.8.

Originally Posted by bevernden

Thanks for the replies.

Matt5112, are you referring to OEM or aftermarket gaskets? Got a part #?

Both OEM and aftermarket gaskets for the 04+ are metal.

I'm not sure if the updated ones from felpro for example are actually metal. Maybe someone else can chime in on that one.

I put some rtv around mine and haven't had any leaks....yet lol