C3 - BB intake manifold bolt length question

[Dale P.]

What happens if incorrect bolts (IE TOO LONG) are used on the intake manifold

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 - BB intake manifold bolt length question

What happens if incorrect bolts (IE TOO LONG) are used on the intake manifold

Dale------

If I recall correctly, on a small block there are a few of the bolt holes that go through to the pushrod holes and, if so, a too long bolt would interfere. However, and in any event, I do not recall there being any such situations on a big block. Once again if I recall correctly, some of the big block manifold bolt holes in the head are blind-tapped. So, if you install a too long bolt it will bottom out before it clamps the manifold. I don't know why this should be a concern, though. Just use the correct, original length bolts and you certainly won't have any problems.

[Dale P.]

Re: C3 - BB intake manifold bolt length question

Joe,

Thanks for the reply. I was just searching for some rough idle issues, extremely heavy raw fuel smell and a weird metal to metal noise that I have heard once in awhile while trying to start my 68 BB after some 5-6 years. It has a good intake (69 vintage and Qjet - rebuilt), fresh fuel, etc, etc .. I changed out the 3x2 for this set up >> don't ask why.

My current baffle is the very heavy fuel smell quickly after start up. Carb, fuel lines are dry. The smell is for sure coming from the engine compartment not the back. The only two things that I do know is that I see some "moisture" directly under the carb on the frame and what appears to be the same "moisture" around the mid-section of the fuel pump. Is it possible to have a leaking fuel pump yet still be able to feed the motor enough to keep it idling?

As a final note I do not have the PCV system connected and the carb PCV port is currently plugged off.

Any thoughts?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 - BB intake manifold bolt length question

Joe,

Thanks for the reply. I was just searching for some rough idle issues, extremely heavy raw fuel smell and a weird metal to metal noise that I have heard once in awhile while trying to start my 68 BB after some 5-6 years. It has a good intake (69 vintage and Qjet - rebuilt), fresh fuel, etc, etc .. I changed out the 3x2 for this set up >> don't ask why.

My current baffle is the very heavy fuel smell quickly after start up. Carb, fuel lines are dry. The smell is for sure coming from the engine compartment not the back. The only two things that I do know is that I see some "moisture" directly under the carb on the frame and what appears to be the same "moisture" around the mid-section of the fuel pump. Is it possible to have a leaking fuel pump yet still be able to feed the motor enough to keep it idling?

As a final note I do not have the PCV system connected and the carb PCV port is currently plugged off.

Any thoughts?

Dale-----


Changing from the 3X2 to the L-36 configuration is an excellent move as far as I'm concerned. I've never liked 3X2 and, personally, wouldn't have one under any circumstances. The 68-69 L-36 induction set-up is one of the best ever in a Corvette.

It is possible to have a leaking fuel pump and still have a pump which supplies sufficient fuel to the engine. I'm not saying that's the situation you have but it is possible. If the leak were on the suction side, you could even have a massive fuel leak and still have adequate fuel to run the engine (at least, just before the fire starts that consumes the car).

If you don't have the PCV system connected, then how is the engine's crankcase vented? The crankcase MUST be vented.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 - BB intake manifold bolt length question

Dale-----


Changing from the 3X2 to the L-36 configuration is an excellent move as far as I'm concerned. I've never liked 3X2 and, personally, wouldn't have one under any circumstances. The 68-69 L-36 induction set-up is one of the best ever in a Corvette.

I have often said "The only thing worse than one Holley is three Hollys." But then that is just me. I do recognize the visual appeal of all that gold bling -- it snagged me before I learned better too.