Lower intake manifold gasket on 3.3L 2000 Town and Country

[DrivewayAl]

Hey guys, I am currently replacing the head gasket on a 2000 3.3L Town and Country. My question is can I reuse the steel intake manifold gasket. It seems to be in decent shape or should just replace it. It is my first head gasket job and I need a little advice. Also does RTV sealant go under the ends of the gasket where the attaching screws are? Thanks for any help.

Topic

[dreamer2355]

I would just replace the lower intake manifold gasket as a ‘safe assurance’.

[Trcustoms719]

If you are asking if you use RTV on a head gasket DO NOT use any kind of sealer on a head gasket.
And don’t use it on the intake gaskets.

[Matt]

If you are that far into it, don’t cheap out on the gaskets. Get a new intake gasket bud.

[ytram]

Yes, change the gasket as already said or otherwise you will be scratching your head trying to figure out why you have a lean trouble code when done!

[johnzcarz]

I wouldn’t chance it, especially if it’s one of those steel gaskets with a ridge in it – that’s what does the sealing and once installed it flattens out and you can’t guarantee it will work again.

[college man]

new gasket and no sealant.

[Trcustoms719]

+1 on the above posts.
I would buy OEM gaskets if you can to insure a good quality repair.

[EricTheCarGuy]

+1 on new gasket no sealant, most times you can get an entire gasket ‘kit’ that will not only have the head gaskets but also all the intake gaskets you might need, I think one of these sets would be your best option.

[DrivewayAl]

That answers that. Thanks. What about the steel LIM valley gasket in between the heads. I believe Black RTV sealant just is applied to either end. Thanks.

DrivewayAl

[DrivewayAl]

Thanks for the advice guys. I picked up the new gasket today for $21.0. I think i spent at least $21.0 in brake cleaner trying to clean the old one. I’m learnin.

DrivewayAl

[Rick]

To clarify the above posts which seemed to say absolutely no RTV– You are correct that you do need to use some RTV on the lower intake gasket set where the gaskets that sit on the head meet with the valley gaskets. Your manual will detail this. You may also need a thin coating of RTV on the part of the intake gasket where the coolant flows– just follow the manual.

[Author]

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