I've got an ASZ engine (admittedly in my octy, but I figure you guys are far more active so I'd get a better response here).

I'm planning on cleaning my intake manifold. So my 2 questions are this:

 

1. What material is the gasket for the intake manifold made out of.

2. Would you recommend replacement of the gasket when I remove the intake manifold?

It was like a thin metal gasket when I changed mine, and for the (relative) pennies it costs to replace it's a no brainer in my book, although others may disagree. 

As jars said they are made of thin tin, I have reused old ones without issue but if you can pick up a new one you might as well to save having to take it off again if it does not seal correctly.

17 minutes ago, duck said:

As jars said they are made of thin tin, I have reused old ones without issue but if you can pick up a new one you might as well to save having to take it off again if it does not seal correctly.

Yeah, "tin" is a much better description than what I said 

 

I was tempted to reuse the old one, but my time is worth a whole lot more to me than the few quid for a new gasket with no risk of rework removing the old one if it failed

Thanks for the replies. I've asked listers if they've got any (they have a thread on the forum somewhere).

Doesn't really need a new thread itself, but has anyone had any issues post-replacement of the headgasket/EGR? I've ordered some of this:

 

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-accessories/car-maintenance-accessories/car-adhesives-tapes-sealants/quick-gasket/?554771690&0&cc5_139

 

I've got the little EGR rubber ring as well.

Not expecting issues, but always handy to have in case.

Edited 26 July, 20178 yr by bspman

I didnt use any of that stuff and had no issues at all. Just dont over tighten anything.  You can always nip up after.

 

Good you got a new Egr O ring. You should have no issues as all.

Thanks.. I know it can be a bit subjective, but how tight is "over tight" ?

Ooh now your asking... Torque figures will be about on here or tinternet, but they are no use if you dont have a torque wrench! 

I nipped mine up to the first bit of resistance on the ratchet then added half a turn.  Im sure it was allen bolts if I remember and they go into an alloy head so its easy to strip threads.  Oh and I nipped them all up first then went back and added half a turn or so on each.

 

Looking about 20NM or around 18ftlbs for a torque wrench. 

Edited 27 July, 20178 yr by Graffiti

Got a torque wrench somewhere I think.

thanks for making me feel better about stripping heads!