Air Leak Between Reed Cage and Intake Manifold

Danbob

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Mar 12, 2016
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So I was testing for any leaks and the psi started dropping very fast. I sprayed soapy water around every spot. I saw a sh*t load of bubbles coming from the top and bottom (not from the sides) between the reed cage and intake manifold. Other than that spot, everything looked good.

Possibility #1: The bolts
One of the bolts broke in half and I went to a local hardware store and got ones that are pretty much exact. They were 6X1 threads and same length but they didnt have the built in washers like the stock bolts.

Possibility #2: Gasket
There is no gasket in that area. I looked at some diagrams and it doesnt seem like it needs one. But I dont know, maybe I should apply some gasket maker and else.

Possibility #3: Over tightened bolts.

Possibility #4: I have no clue what I am talking and the other ones can be all wrong.

Can someone point me in the right direction, Thanks
 
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Here is what I would do:

Start by getting a gasket, then torquing to correct torque specs. then retesting. Should solve your problem.
 
Do you know the correct torque spec? I looked in the manuals but couldnt find it.
 
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One other thing that helps seal them up there is to get them snug diagonally. Then pull them down even. Like Awk mentioned, ulta copper is going to be your friend making sure they seal up.
 
I had this same issue I had to buy new gaskets then use yamabond on each side after I sanded the intake manifold on a flat surface. That yamabond is good stuff I've tried everything else.
 
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Yep...always use new gaskets and yamabond or the equivalent on both sides . Put a nice thin layer on with a flux brush or paint brush . And don't crank down the bolts !! If you have a leak after that your intake boot is bad
 
Yep...always use new gaskets and yamabond or the equivalent on both sides . Put a nice thin layer on with a flux brush or paint brush . And don't crank down the bolts !! If you have a leak after that your intake boot is bad
Do u think the reed cage could also be bad from over tightening. I had the same issue and I think both reed cage and boot is bent.
 
Just had an issue with brand new tusk brand gaskets, went to leak down test the engine and it would slowly drop 1 psi in about 5 mins, had to spray down the entire reed block area and it was leaking up top right corner, removed the gasket and put a layer of yamahabond 4 = good stuff btw- and passed leak test, From now on I'll use a nice layer between all reed areas to prevent this
 
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Yamabond 4 is good stuff
So I just bought a new carb boot manifold that goes on the Reed gasket. It’s not stock, and it has a hole on the top part that extends out (it’s soposed to be there) and I do a leak test and the air just pours out of the hole. I don’t know if I’m soposed to do something with it or if it works that way somehow.
 
So I just bought a new carb boot manifold that goes on the Reed gasket. It’s not stock, and it has a hole on the top part that extends out (it’s soposed to be there) and I do a leak test and the air just pours out of the hole. I don’t know if I’m soposed to do something with it or if it works that way somehow.


yeah those knockoff brand manifolds are meant for something else- just happens to bolt onto a blaster, if possible find a used oem part.
 
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Some can be plugged with a rubber cap.?
Not sure what yours looks like.
Oem one from rockymountainatvmc is $28
 
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I filled the hole with yamabound 4, I’m not sure if it will work but it’s worth a try.
 
I use a gaskets on both sides and a thin layer of Yamabond on both sides of both gaskets. I've never had that leak from that protocol.
 
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