Intake manifold gasket question

[rucraig]

Hi everyone,

My 500e is still in the workshop getting ETA-related issues resolved. As part of the process, we've decided to replace the manifold donuts which are fossilized, as well as all the hoses and vacuum lines, and anything else that looks due for replacement.

I'm wondering whether I should go further and get the intake manifold gaskets replaced as well. The car has done around 140k miles. Can folks tell me how likely these gaskets are to have an issue/need replacement? I'm likely to go ahead, but it adds a lot to the job so thought I'd seek advice first.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

[sheward]

There are others more experienced with real world M119s but in 20 some years on this forum I have never read about anyone needing to replace them. Of course, new is always better if the budget allows.

 

[xfadmin]

It's an absolute no-brainer to replace ALL soft parts under the hood, including all vacuum lines, rubber hoses, donuts, gaskets.....all of it. The manifold should really come off as a unit to replace the donuts anyway. If I remember correctly, @gerryvz's car back in 2020 had around 143K miles on it when he replaced all that stuff, and he found it was functional, but fossilized. Replacing this stuff will make it a non-issue for another 20+ years.

 

[gerryvz]

Someone called my name ?!?!?

And yes, what was said. Absolutely you should do this. The gaskets aren't expensive. Replace your ETA gasket too, EGR valve gasket, and of course the valve cover gaskets, and all of the rubber air hoses atop the intake, all of which get fried and fossilized. Consider replacing the temp sensors that screw into the manifold. And the smog pump hoses - again major fossilization candidates. It's all to be found in my Top-End Rebuild thread --

The intake manifold should come out as an entire unit, so that it can be disassembled on the bench. It's easier to get at the ETA this way, and the hose connected to the ETA, and the springs down there, etc. Not to mention the donuts that mate the halves together. If that manifold comes out, then the gaskets should be renewed. Clean out that Vee of crap once the manifold is out.

Here's a good post on the removal/disassembly.

 

[rucraig]

It's an absolute no-brainer to replace ALL soft parts under the hood, including all vacuum lines, rubber hoses, donuts, gaskets.....all of it. The manifold should really come off as a unit to replace the donuts anyway. If I remember correctly, @gerryvz's car back in 2020 had around 143K miles on it when he replaced all that stuff, and he found it was functional, but fossilized. Replacing this stuff will make it a non-issue for another 20+ years.

Thanks Sudo.

If I do the intake gaskets, I see Elgin is the preferred brand. These appear to be NLA. Does anyone have a line on where I could get some? If I can't source any, are there any recommendations on what is the best alternative?

 

[rucraig]

Someone called my name ?!?!?

And yes, what was said. Absolutely you should do this. The gaskets aren't expensive. Replace your ETA gasket too, EGR valve gasket, and of course the valve cover gaskets, and all of the rubber air hoses atop the intake, all of which get fried and fossilized. Consider replacing the temp sensors that screw into the manifold. And the smog pump hoses - again major fossilization candidates. It's all to be found in my Top-End Rebuild thread --

The intake manifold should come out as an entire unit, so that it can be disassembled on the bench. It's easier to get at the ETA this way, and the hose connected to the ETA, and the springs down there, etc. Not to mention the donuts that mate the halves together. If that manifold comes out, then the gaskets should be renewed. Clean out that Vee of crap once the manifold is out.

Here's a good post on the removal/disassembly.

Thanks a lot. I've been working my way through your super-detailed rebuild thread - invaluable.

I think I'll go ahead - no time like the present to get it done. Challenge now is to find some Elgin gaskets which appear to have joined the list of unicorn parts.

 

[gsxr]

To replace the 8 intake donuts, you must remove the intake manifold, so yes you must replace the gaskets. Some mix of OE and aftermarket gaskets are available, Elring or Victor are fine.

 

[sheward]

To replace the 8 intake donuts, you must remove the intake manifold, so yes you must replace the gaskets.

Forgot this pertinent fact. So yes, they need to be replaced.