what am I looking for

[jooset]

Just got the intake off (replacing the gasket). What can I tell about how my engine is running by looking at the intake and exhaust ports? I see lots of carbon. Also, good idea to smear RTV around water jackets under and over the gasket (felpro)? I'm planning on going with the rubber ends from the kit with RTV at the corners where everything meets; thoroughly cleaning all surfaces of course. Thanks in advance.

Matt

 

[jooset]

hmmmm...(help for newby)

looks like one of the holes in my driver side head is full of carbon....it's not a bolt hole or intake or exhaust...so it must be a water jacket hole? What does this mean? Can you tell I'm a novice.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[turbosam6]

Its the egr passage, common for it to be full of carbon. Clean it out. Chances are the intake egr passage is carboned up too.