I am a proud owner of a 1994 Dakota 5.2 V8 and I'm pretty sure my intake manifold gasket is blown. My MPG has gone down, I have to add oil every couple hundred miles or so, definatly lose of power like my truck has lost its *****, backfires when I try to accelerate normally, and i can hear what sounds like a jar of marble rattling around every once in a while.

I already bought the gasket kit to change it and I would like to do it this weekend. However before I do, I wanted to see if anyone had any tips or any helpful advice. Anything I should be careful of or on the look out for? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks

 

Replace the intake manifold bolts themselves. Rumor has it they are torque-to-yeild, therefore, can only be used once...... Service manual doesn't say squat about it though....... basically, just insurance.

Use a GOOD gasket set. (fel pro, or better) Also replace the plenum gasket. (steel pan on bottom of intake manifold. that's likely the cause of most of your issues......) User shorter bolts to put the pan back on, or, just cut the unthreaded 'nipple' of the end of the existing bolts. Secure them in place with loc-tite blue on the threads.

Might consider doing the timing chain and gears while it's right there. Its like six more bolts....... Need a balancer puller though.....

Also, with the intake off, it will never be easier to change the cap/rotor/wires/plugs as well.

Might also consider replacing the O2 sensor.

Have a read thru this thread. (I know it's long, and its in the Ram section, but, everything in there applies to your truck as well.) Lots of good information, and will also clue you in to a few tricks I may have missed.

 

Thanks Hey you. I have that thread. Saved and read through multiple times. Thanks for the advice. I have new bolts and thermostat and I just ordered some blue lock tight and black rtv. I am hoping to start and finish this weekend. I just hope I don't run into a problem

 

Don't forget the bypass hose.

 

I didn't thanks. I bought one