I've got leak behind the distributor originating from the center of the intake manifold(?), is this just a matter of junk gasket or something more serious?



Here's some photos:

 

P.S. there's no fluid in the photos, but after about 5min of running there's a nice puddle around the distributor. It's definitely coolant. The arrows are where the coolant comes from.

 

Sounds like you need to pull your intake and reseal it.

 

If this is what the gasket set looks like, what are those pieces at the front/back?

That's all that holds the fluid at bay?

 

Do some reading back through posts. This was just described in wonderful detail in the last couple of days.

 

Nobody uses the cork end seals, they are too hard to keep in place and get a good seal. Toss them and use a bead of automotive grade RTV.

 

How do you determine if you also need a new valley pan gasket?

Or are you supposed to replace everything at the same time?

 

you say liquid which has me thinking water, but that seal is holding oil back.
So I guess it's oil you have there then.

 

I'm with Kalli on this one, there's not supposed to be coolant there. If you see coolant, you have a leaking t-stat housing or hose. no need to pull the I'M.jlg

 

I think you should be able to tell if you need to replace the valley pan gasket visually. I just cleaned mine and put it back on with some RVT. Make sure you get the correct gasket set for a 2 or 4 barrel Cleveland.