Saab Engine Intake Manifold Gasket - Reinz 12603028

Product Information

An engine intake manifold gasket seals the intake manifold to the cylinder head. Its primary job is to ensure that all metered air that has been taken in through the air intake system is delivered to the engine without any air being lost through a leak at the manifold to the cylinder head connection. It also keeps any unmetered air, dirt, and debris from entering the intake manifold to the cylinder head connection.

On older vehicles and engines, these are usually flat gaskets made of paper or similar composite materials, or may occasionally be a multi-layer metal gasket. On newer vehicles, they are often made of rubber or similar elastomer materials. An engine intake manifold gasket may be a single-piece part that will seal all of the intake runners to the cylinder head or a singular gasket that is used multiple times on a per-cylinder basis. The color, shape, and materials can vary depending on the brand, manufacturer, and application, but are often orange and orange/brown, or green.

It is common practice to replace the engine intake manifold gasket any time that you have the intake manifold removed from the cylinder head. This ensures that when you assemble the intake system, it is free of leaks or other issues. This is especially important on turbocharged or supercharged engines that have positive manifold pressures above the atmospheric pressure.

• Air leaks: Over time, your intake manifold gasket will degrade because of heat, vibration, and exposure to oils and other solvents. Paper or composite gaskets can begin to break down and chunk apart. Rubber gaskets can become hard and brittle. This can let dirt and debris in but is more likely to cause an air intake flow fault or CEL.
• Swelling / Damage from external sources: Cleaners, solvents, and other chemicals such as brake clean can cause rubber and other elastomers to swell and cause issues.
• Loss of elasticity: Eventually the rubber or material will harden and lose its elasticity, eventually becoming brittle and easily damaged. These gaskets will appear completely flat and will not reseal at all if they are reused.
• Check Engine Light: Excessive unmetered air from a bad intake manifold gasket can result in a CEL for an air intake leak fault or other airflow-related diagnostic trouble codes.
• Misfire: A severe air intake leak can cause rough running and an engine misfire.
• Oil residue: Because the positive crankcase ventilation system feeds air that may oil vapor into the intake to be burned during combustion, it is common for a bad or failed intake manifold gasket to result in oil residue on or around the intake manifold.

About Reinz

Founded by Hugo Reinz in 1920, Reinz has been known for the manufacturing of Automotive gaskets for over 90 years. For almost a century Reinz has provided gaskets and sealing products for both auto manufacturers and as an aftermarket solution for car enthusiasts. Their full catalog features over 15,000 different products, providing a great selection for excellent value. Way back in 1962 Reinz became the (OEM) original equipment manufacturer for the prestigious Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen car companies, a strong partnership that still continues to this day. The company continues to innovate and stay well ahead of the curve. For example, Reinz stopped using asbestos in their gaskets 12 years before it was banned in Germany in 1993. Reinz performs because every part they manufacture meets OEM standards – meaning you're getting great value that you can believe in. Many brands and models use sealing solutions from Reinz. In 1993 Reinx became a partner to the American company, Dana, to form the largest manufactures of components for automobile and commercial vehicles. The Gasket segment of Dana was Victor at the time ahich was then merged with Reinz to form the brand name of "Victor Reinz".