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I discovered both factory manifolds were cracked today. Considering headers as a replacement, but I seem to remember posts in the past referring to size, interfering with fenders, starter clearance, etc.. I just can't locate those threads.
Regardless of the pros and cons (alot of opinions on this), I would prefer to stay with stock manifolds.
So.... if I stick with stock, I would appreciate a source if somebody knows of one.
....and if headers, what would those of you who have gone that route recommend.
My budget is NOT unlimited, so I'm trying to simply find something to get the job done.
1966, F250, 352, 2wd.
...if that upper photo shows the extent of the crack, it could be welded by someone who knows what they're doing...I don't know how bad the other is...
Sorry....the pics are just to show the numbers on each.
Two local shops have looked that them and both have advised against repair. I'll be the first to admit that my knowledge and experience is pretty limited, so I have to reply on the judgement of those who do this for a living. Both shops talked about the process of heating the cast to repair it, the potential for warping, the inconsistency of materials used back in the 60's....which could lead to inconsistent results, and the fact that mine don't have much material left to grind if they need to be true-up after the repair.
Sorry....the pics are just to show the numbers on each.
Two local shops have looked that them and both have advised against repair. I'll be the first to admit that my knowledge and experience is pretty limited, so I have to reply on the judgement of those who do this for a living. Both shops talked about the process of heating the cast to repair it, the potential for warping, the inconsistency of materials used back in the 60's....which could lead to inconsistent results, and the fact that mine don't have much material left to grind if they need to be true-up after the repair.
IDK about that, I've welding up marine manifolds sucessfully and I'm far from an expert....really far! They may just not want to mess with it. Mine are cracked too, but once warmed up they are tolerable. At some point I will go the header route, just not a priority now.
I've welded a bunch of them. I have never had a professional welder tell me it could be done, they all said it can't. As far as I know, none of my arc welded ones ever failed. NO, no, no to brazing manifolds, success rate is marginal at best and after the brass is on there, no decent welding can ever be done, it's now junk.
Process is simple and I've even done it with cheap AC buzz box. Get the cheapest cast iron stick rod, not the nickel stuff. Grind the crack out good and back a little ways. No preheat is needed. A good pointed chipping hammer is a must. Weld 1/2 inch or so, then peen the crap out of the weld and area with the pointy end of the chipping hammer until you can almost touch the area and not get burned, weld another half inch, repeat until finished, peening a lot and not getting in a hurry. After all the welding, grind smooth, even use a flap wheel if you can and polish until you see no sign of the weld. Any undercut will leave a place for it to crack again. It also helps to clamp the engine side of the manifold good to a welding table or steel plate to prevent warping.
If you have a manifold that is junk anyway, what do you have to loose?
If you have a manifold that is junk anyway, what do you have to loose?[/QUOTE]
Exactly! Right now, they are ugly boat anchors. Good to practice on.
Seems like your method works for you....and might give others the info they need to help them attempt it.
Thanks
If you have a manifold that is junk anyway, what do you have to loose?
Exactly! Right now, they are ugly boat anchors. Good to practice on.
Seems like your method works for you....and might give others the info they need to help them attempt it.
Thanks[/QUOTE]
You are welcome. I welded one on a 300 for myself about 8-9 years ago and it's still good. Also welded up one for a sbc dirt track car that was in 2 pieces. It was still good after several weekends of racing and only got replaced when they found the correct replacement.
Just like your welding, it's all about the process.
Either way, and old barbecue makes a good oven to preheat and slowly cool the piece. That way you can do a really top notch job.
If that's what works for you, then I can't argue. I've done them both ways and find for me the arc welding to be way faster and produce better results. Plus I've had quite a few come in over the years, brazed and broke again that I could have fixed if the last guy hadn't used brass.
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