lower intake pan gasket

Does anyone know of a specific test to determine if a new gasket is needed?

Does anyone know of a specific test to determine if a new gasket is needed?

a good test to see if the intake manifold needs a new gasket it to start engine , while idling, spray some starter fluid spray along the gasket seam. If the rpm goes up, it means the it is sucking air and needs attention. Be carefull with the starter fluid, very volotile.... do small sections at time , don't be confused with the air breather sucking in the spray and giving you a false reading. Just curious, what kind of problems are you having?

Does anyone know of a specific test to determine if a new gasket is needed?
Also if the engine is knocking and seems to be using more oil than it should then it is likely it is the problem . Had this problem on our 318 V8 motor.

Also if the engine is knocking and seems to be using more oil than it should then it is likely it is the problem . Had this problem on our 318 V8 motor.

After sitting overnight, it runs rough for a while until it is driven several miles. After that, it still runs a little rough. It's just not as smooth as it used to be. Didn't check for oil consumption, although I don't believe it uses any other than a small valve cover leak. Also, the gas mileage fluctuates from 19-20 to 14 - 16. I've had a new timing chain, map and O2 sensors. My mechanic has also done a compression check and said it's almost like new. He suggested it might be the pan gasket but before I spend $400 - $500 I would like to be sure. Thanks for your help.