After the intake manifold is back on the engine, you'll need to disconnect both heater hoses from the heater core, and both radiator hoses from the radiator. Flush, (blast) each hose with a garden hose until the water comes out clear. Flush in both nipples of the heater core, and flush the radiator in both directions. It's easiest just to remove the coolant reservoir to clean it out. Then reconnect all of the hoses. The auto parts stores sell cooling system flushing chemicals to clean out the remainder of the crud. Follow the directions on the bottle. Then repeat the flushing procedure to completely remove the chemical. Fill the cooling system with 50/50 Dexcool & distilled water and hope for the best.

 

Got it all back together. I put the RTV and manifold back on. How long should I let it set before I add coolant and fire it back up? Dry time on the RTV says 1 hour and cure in 24. Should I wait that 24 or is it good to go?

 

RTV skins over in about an hour, but I wouldn't add coolant for 24 hours.

 

Last weekend I did not do my head gasket, just did my lower intake. This weekend I am going to go ahead and tackle the head gasket. As I am pulling everything off, I am beginning to wonder if the gasket can be replaced while the engine is still in the compartment?

Im guessing its possible, just a b*tch to do. Any suggestions on what I can do to make it easier?

 

Looks like last weekend was good practice for this weekend. You'll be re-doing the lower intake gaskets when you do the headgaskets.

 

OMG- PLease due a hydrocarbon test before you attack those heads.