Gaskets above and below heater grid

[RobbyRam]

I removed the upper intake manifold in order to install DD2's and I discovered there was no gasket on the bottom of the heater-grid! Is this OEM or a Cummins factory screw-up? Seems to me that this is a place for intake boost to leak. (Mopar-Muscle said there should be a gasket above and below the grid heater)
Anyway, I'm going for a 'Dynojet' run tomorrow afternoon, and want to know if I should postphone my run until I get the bottom gasket installed?
Thanks, Bob

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Y2K Black 3500 ISB 4x4, 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie,"EZ",DTT VB,DD2's,LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty-Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted West-Tach Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges,Rancho 9000's set at '1',Diamond Plated Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner + other stuff.
Fact:The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines! The new PSD's need them!

 

[MikeR]

Yes Robby,there should be a gasket on the top AND bottom of the heater grid. This will be a major cause of boost loss. I'm willing to bet that's why you got such low stock dyno numbers and crappy fuel mileage. I'd postpone the dyno run until it's fixed if I were you. Hopefully you'll start seeing better results.

I'm positive it's a Cummins screw up judging by the engine factory article written in a past TDR issue.

-Mike

 

[Brandon]

we got those on hand for injector installs,
B

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Danelle's Dodge

 

[Archive]

MikeR is correct... gaskets should be there, and you probably have a leak without it.

I have several on hand for injector changes and intake horn changes. . some of the gaskets are almost "glued on". We have had to scrape them off, being careful not to let any get down the intake.

 

[RobbyRam]

Get this guys (and gals! #ad
) I called the parts department at the Dodge dealership today about the missing gasket below the heater grid and they said the parts manual shows only the top gasket on a ETC, but both top and bottom on an ETH HO. (About $7. 50 ea)
A little bewildered, I then called Cummins West and they said there HAS to be both top and bottom gaskets or you will have a boost drop off(ie:leak)
So, just before my dyno run today, I stopped in a Kragen on my lunch hourand bought some high temp gasket material, and made a gasket,installed it, and made my DynoJet appointment barely on time.

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Y2K Black 3500 ISB 4x4, 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie,"EZ",DTT VB,DD2's,LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty-Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted West-Tach Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges,Rancho 9000's set at '1',Diamond Plated Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner + other stuff.
Fact:The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines! The new PSD's need them!

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Don't keep us in suspense too long - how 'bout some numbers from that dyno run??

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Kurt Voss
********* 1999 2500 24VCTD AUTO 4x4 QC LB Laramie SLT, Luverne stainless steel nerf bars, 3 piece bug deflector, mopar mud flaps, Line-X bedliner, Blue Chip Fuel Management System, just ordered 3/26: DDIII's, TTPM, DD 4" exhaust, HX40, DTT VB/TC (91%)

 

[John]

RobbyRam, that's total BS! My '98. 5 ETC had/has both top and bottom gaskets. In addition, I have personally witnessed numerous other '98. 5, '99 and '00 ETCs, all with both gaskets in place. Evan Beck had the only one I know of (ETH) that looked as if it had been torn upon installation at the factory (the lower one I believe). In all the injector installations I've been around I've never seen only one gasket used. Frankly, I can't believe the parts guy is so stupid that he actually believed just because they only call out one gasket for the two obvious locations, he would think the information was valid.

Just because there is a missing STOP sign at a major intersection doesn't mean you don't have to stop... that is unless you are a total moron who can't think for him(or her)self. #ad

 

[Chad Sheets]

Huh?

 

[RobbyRam]

John,
I installed a gasket below my grid heater before the dyno run but it did not make any difference. I guess the aluminum intake skwashed together enough to not produce a leak.
Bob

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Y2K Black 3500 ISB 4x4, 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie,"EZ",DTT VB,DD2's,LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty-Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted West-Tach Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges,Rancho 9000's set at '1',Diamond Plated Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner + other stuff.
Fact:The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines! The new PSD's need them!

 

[John]

RobbyRam, I would consider yourself lucky. It could've just as easily leaked.

Happy Rammin' #ad