Oil distribution manifold gasket

[Staleembrace]

Well for starters, thanks for the add to this forum! Now onto my dilemma!

I'm the new owner of a 1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34. Sad, I know. An 86 will come soon.
I have the GM 3.4L engine with VIN code X. Noticed a driver side leak that upon inspection I thought was my LIM so began by tearing it apart with a buddy and buying new gasket set. Tuns out the previous owner that claimed he never did a luck of engine work in the 2-3 years he used it as a daily driver, lied. Brand new Felpro LIM gaskets. Yay. Not. All this means to me is that it still leaked on him and he sold it to me to get rid of his problem. Regardless we checked the dunno shaft and it had no leaks. No leaks at the egr or heads. Turns out its the oil distribution manifold gasket just between the intake manifolds. I special ordered the gasket from my local GM dealer and am now not hearing back from my mechanic friend. My question is does anyone know if I am to apply any grey RTV to this when I seal it up or leave it dry? Also, does anyone know the torque specs for this part? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Not sure how to post a pic from my phone btw or I would.

 

[yonyon]

This is just going from memory, but I think you want it dry. Also, the oil manifold gasket isn't supposed to leak in the first place unless the intake manifold is installed incorrectly.

 

[Staleembrace]

Point in hand. The guy was dumb enough to lie about the engine work to begin with. He sold me his problem. The gaskets look BRAND NEW and I'm sorry but if the owner before him over three years before he drove it daily replaced them, there would be SOME wear. None whatsoever. I'm replacing them as well though so there shouldn't be any concerns with that now. I appreciate the input though. Have you done this particular job before?

 

[PF52]

Originally Posted By: Staleembrace
I have the GM 3.4L engine with VIN code X.


That's the 3.4 DOHC engine, is it not?

 

[yonyon]

It's been many years so confirm this with info from a more reliable source. When you put the intake back on you have to put the vertical bolts in to pull the intake down, then put the diagonal bolts in to hold it in place, then remove the vertical bolts so they don't pull the oil manifold up (causing the leak) when the engine warms up.

Edit:
It's really pretty easy once you get your hands on a manual. Without one, well, that's probably what happened to the last guy.

 

[Staleembrace]

Yes it is the 3.4 DOHC not to be confused with the 3400 that was used in the 96 model. Also I'm a bit confused as to how to oil manifold would be loosened at all during engine heat up because its got clearance between where the intake sits and where the oil manifold lies.

 

[Staleembrace]

Here's the pics

http://i.imgur.com/usyuNwq.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vsjdUjd.jpg

The first is with the plate and the second is without.

 

[yonyon]

Looking at your picture I don't see it either. I thought there were threaded holes in the oil manifold that were used to hold the intake down and compress the gaskets in place so the diagonal bolt holes would line up. Hopefully when you get to be my age your memory will work better.

 

[Staleembrace]

Lol my memory isn't the best now let alone when I'm older. I appreciate your help though! Notice in the picture that the top left side of that manifold is where the leaking occurred. Weird too because it started as a few drops then slowly leaked all out as it sat without pressure because it didn't get turned back on after I noticed the drips. What can cause this and should I be checking anything else while I'm in there?