Intake manifold and and gasket trouble

Im having a really hard time installing my edelbrock 2131 intake on my 73 cj5 304. Seems the intake bolts dont want to go in at the right angle. I checked all the threads on the head by running a tap thru them and they seem fine. Has anyone else had a problem with their aftermarket intake not fitting perfectly. I was able to get it on by widening the holes on the intake slightly but once on I noticed the rear rubber seal had pushed out. Also by that time I had been fiddling with it for at least a couple hours and the RTV had already dried. Already on my second gasket and need some help. Feeling pretty dumb right about now, not to mention extremely frusterated. anything will help. Thanks

 

What gaskets are you using? are you trying to use the metal valley pan and another gasket with it? I only used the metal valley pan gasket with sealent around the water jackets.

 

The rubber end seals are notorious for squirting out, especially when they are lubed up with sealant.

The usual approach is to discard the rubber end seals, and rely on a bead of silicone along the valley ends to seal to the manifold.

The Felpro kit has only the one-piece aluminum valley cover, as I recall. They typically include some installation advice in the box with the gaskets. Also, the original iron manifold will squish the end seals more than an aluminum manifold will, so it may be that your alignment would be ok if the manifold were heavier.

Try dry-fitting the manifold with no gaskets, and see if the holes line up.

 

Agree with above. Edelbrock agrees too and advices removing the end seals in the installation instructions for your intake. "We advise eliminating the end seals. Use RTV silicone gasket sealant instead. " The entire instructions can be found here http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/misc/tech_center/install/2000/2131.pdf in case you don't have them

It always works well for me

 

Light bulb just went on, thanks guys. The manifold did mount up perfectly when I dry mounted the intake the first time. I think its the thickness of the end seals that is misaligning it. I will take your advice and eliminate them and use RTV. Thanks for the help Im sure my tools will appreciate me not throwing them any more!