Edelbrock intake manifold water pump bypass nipple

The smaller end just does fit into the intake manifold port but the larger end does not. The small end has ever so slight friction with the manifold so my question is should I apply a light coat of the Permatex Sleeve Retainer to the inside of the intake port as well as the nipple prior to mating the two pieces together.

Sleeve retainer is good stuff. I've used it on freeze plugs and injector sleeves on diesels. Use the activator spray with it and let it cure before use and I've never had a problem, so long as the clearances aren't too big. You can apply it to the port and the manifold if you want, it's anaerobic, so you can't really overdo it, as it's not going to harden and cause issues except between the plug and manifold.

They do make another product for larger gaps that I've used successfully as well. If you feel drag while spinning it, it's probably not needed.