just when you think everything is going well...

[fiznat]

Argh so as most of you probably know, I got my KA-T project running and idling smoothly last week. Everything seemed to be going pretty well, oil pressure was up, timing was good, fuel pressure a-ok, etc etc etc. ...Then I noticed a small puddle forming on the garage floor. I was leaking coolant at the rate of about 8 ounces every 2 days (I filled a cup with the drip in that time). It was a pretty slow leak, but big enough to really cause a problem if I left it like that. I traced the flow of coolant up underneath the intake mani, to the port where the heater line comes from the block. You know, that place that you CANT get to without taking the freaking intake mani off.

So, breathe an annoyed sigh, and get to it:



Fixed the leak, but now everything is apart again. I'm really considering - while its apart - having my intake manifold sandblasted and powdercoated a black or clear. Its kinda grungy (and REALLY nasty on the inside). What do you guys think? I never really thought colored intake manis looked all that great. I could do a chrome as well but I donno... seems like too much chrome.

Whats your guys opinion?

[Nismo_Freak]

I got a turbo coolant line leak I gotta find.

[crzycav86]

I think it's all up to you whether you wanna bling out your intake manifold or not.

I personally would just clean the inside and call it a day... but if my turbo setup was as shiny as yours, I'd probably reconsider.

Here's another thought: why not get an aftermarket one now that the stock one is off? It comes pre-blinged.

[toki]

sand blast it, maybe put some type of high temp clear over it for easy cleaning/degreasing... a nicefinish is all thats needed though.

[wild_maxx]

heres mine after just cleaning it up with a wire brush and some carb cleaner. i was wondering what is the fluid that is inside the hose for the heater? and could you post a pic of where it connects?

[Structure240sx]

yea i think i have the same leak right now. ill be going through this process this week also.

is it really worth it to get it painted/powdercoated/polished? it would be kinda cool but for me i know it would jsut get dirty again (unless its painted black) and im not the one to sit for a couple hours each weekend to clean up everything.

[turbo98_240sx]

I have the same problem not as major but none the less leaking coolent ain't a good thing. I can't seem to find it though because its only a few drops a day but at least now I know where to start looking once it warms up, Personaly I like the black powder coat Idea (Chrome and Black rule )

[jacob360]

Just take it to your local machine shop and have them dip it. It'll come out clean inside and out.

[dsylvia]

http://www.classiccoatings.com/Default01.htm

they have a cool cermakrome ceramic coating that looks almost like chrome. check it out.

[nissanfanatic]

I second the wire brush idea. I didn't even use any cleaner and it shined right up.

[:: orion ::]

Matte black looks cool...

- Brian

[Jookmasta]

my vote is also for the black. u can get chrome or shiny looking if u bought and aftermarket one or if you used a wire brush but black is unique. how hard was it to take off the upper intake mani? how long did it take ya?

[fiznat]

It only took me a half hour or so... but then again I've done this a couple times now and I know what combination of wrenches/extensions/elbows are necessary for each of those frustrating bolts. Taking off the upper portion isnt any easier than just taking out the whole thing (except the vac/coolant lines you have to disconnect) because you have to loosen the lower mounts to get the top half off anyways.

I was talking to Ivan from Phat KA-T, and he mentioned that sand/bead blasting an intake mani is a bad idea because the media gets caught in the pores in the aluminum on the mani and then once it heats up, that media is released into your engine? I dont doubt Ivan's advice, but has anyone else heard of this as well?

[klattr1]

ive painted my intake manifold before. just mask and use black rustoleum texture finish (not the hammered look but kinda powdery).

it comes out real nice and kinda reminds me of VTec valve cover finish. jdm tyte yo

[pr240sx]

Use some carb cleaner and a baby bottle brush.Forget the bling bling!You can port and polish with a good dremel and a steady hand.Remove the butterflies (if you havent)Now its a good time to clean and recheck those pesky PCV lines, change the PCV valve and remove any unused lines.