Intake gasket change on a 260

[Csilvy2000]

I'm about to change the intake gasket on my Olds 260. It developed a water leak at the driver's side front. My question is 'Is it best to discard the rubber end seals and use a bead of RTV or should I use the end seals that come in the gasket set?'

Any responses will be much appreciated.

 

[78 salon]

That's a matter of opinion. I know guys that have never used the rail gaskets, just glop the rtv across there, then there's guys that have just put a skim coat of sealer across the rail and the seal. Neither 1 has had a leak, but there's others that have done the same or both or either, and can't get it right. The choice is yours
Imo, if you use the rail seals, dimple the face of each on the block, with a center punch before laying them down with rtv.

 

[olds307 and 403]

If you use RTV, use a generous amount. Don't forget do around all the corner water ports, both sides of the gasket.

 

[Csilvy2000]

Thanks for the input.

The little motor seems to just keep on going. This is the first time I've had to open any part of it. What's the most milage anyone has seen on a 260?

 

[CHRIS.O]

The problem with the rail gasket is they can push out when you tighten down the intake. I have used both on my 455 but honestly got tired of tightening the intake only to find out the back seal pushed out. So I use RTV now and don't mess with the seals.

 

[1bad79]

i'ed dump the motor, thats what im doing this weekend or next my 260 haas the same problem, putting a 68 350 i might be able to do a burn out then 😀

 

[Csilvy2000]

I know, I know, it's a boat anchor. The thing is, I love underdogs and this little guy just keeps right on going. It does okay on gas and it's never left me on the side of the road. It's a daily driver so I'm gonna stick with it for a little longer.

I've since pulled the intake and it surprised me to see how clean the engine is. Even more reason to put it back together. Now my problem is finding the gasket at a local parts store. Next up is ordering online.

As far as smoking up the tires in a cutlass, my project is a '79 H/O getting the LS treatment. The swap is pretty easy, figuring out the fuel system on a budget and doing the wiring is where it sits.

It's crossed my mind to drop a SBC 400 in the car, but the amount of Olds fans on this forum has made me think twice about the bowtie heartbeat in a Cutlass. I've got 3 SBC sitting around and no other Olds motors. If anyone wants to swap an Olds 455 for a SBC 400 with aftermarket aluminum heads I'm interested in working out a deal.

Again thanks for the input.

 

[1bad79]

if you wernt so far away from me i'ed think about that one