Finally had a chance to pull the intake off this evening. Reinstalled, making sure it was flat against the head. Runs great now (thanx SNIDLEY for the suggestion). Good luck INVICTUS. THanks again everyone.

 

Usually, this is the intake manifold not being on the little alignment "bumps" before being torqued down.

This is not an uncommon issue. Leads to a massive vacuum leak.

 

We have the same problem, still trying to sort it. Could be a vacuum leak under manifold. Invictus89 you did not post how you resolved yours in July 2011?.

 

had this exact problem after swapping my own head gasket

make sure that the intake is properly mounted on the two metal dowels that are on each end of the head block.

even remove the airbox so you can squeeze your head down there and make sure the dowels are seated correctly

 

Short of using starting fluid to find a vacuum leak, just a little jet of water might do the trick if you can't find it with a hose or a tube held to your ear.


You should fill out your info for what you have, (And welcome to the forum! New Zealand?)

 

Thanks, yes we are trying to get the manifold to sit correctly on the metal dowells, for some reason is not, mainly at the back. Just fitted new headers on, but don't think they are interfering... spent the 3 day holiday weekend putting it all back together, now will have to wait another day. Not much room to work on them in the engine bay!. Thanks for feedback.

 

With aftermarket headers/exhaust manifols, it is not uncommon that you need to file the intake manifold at teh following places outlined in the phot below. Be aware the manifold is sitting upside down and it's an earlier model. Still applies though.

 

For that lower, rear nut I use a universal and 1/2 a mile (Km), of extensions. A "wiggly" socket is better. My left motor mount is so bad that lifting the engine with a jack a tad makes fitting the manifold on easier. (due to the close clearance to the body).

 

Finally we have it sorted. Found that the Rugged Ridge after market headers were touching manifold - the rear (Nbr 6) about 2 inches from the head. It seems they haven't allowed quite enough downward sweep before coming across under the inlet manifold, causing it to hold the manifold up off the rear dowel pin by about 4mm to 5mm. Easiest fix was to get the gas torch out and put a slight dent in the pipe which was all it needed for the manifold to pop straight on. Thanks for info to get us on the right track.

 

So I'm I'm having the same problem you had. Seems like everything is seated right and no vacuum leaks and still crazy high rpms at startup. Driving me crazy! What did your mechanic find to be the problem?

 

Here's what I do.

 

It's NOT seated. The intake manifold is hanging up on a dowel and the nut/bolt seems tight.......

Remove and re-do.

 

I did remove it and replace it because it wasn't seated right. But now it appears to be on right but still same problem. Damage to the gasket now possibly?

 

Who knows?

 

Always new gasket even if that dont solve issue unless there reusable. Maybe intake got messed and unable to seal ? Evening Major.