Cracking Manifolds !!!!
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Cracking Manifolds !!!!
Hi, I have a 1988 bronco,302,. I am cracking exshaust manifolds left and right (literaly), I am on my 3rd set in 2 1/2 years, anybody have this problem? I keep replacing them with new castings so they are not used but they still crack!! Any help would be great. (Any tips on repairing them would be great also).
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 351
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From: Richfield MN
Wow thats a lot of manifolds.
They must come off EZ now
Were do they crack ?
same place everytime?
Next time you replace one,check were they bolt down with a straight edge make sure the head is milled flat.
They must come off EZ now
Were do they crack ?
same place everytime?
Next time you replace one,check were they bolt down with a straight edge make sure the head is milled flat.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,371
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From: just outside of Phila.
Same thing here...I have the 88 302, and I've been through 2 pairs. I'd just say to go with the headers...either way, change your spark plugs when they're off. I've never heard the truck complain about new plugs, and I've never complained about it being easier either.
These manifolds I have now are holding up, though I think I'm getting new heads. I wouldn't put anything past this Bronco, so we'll see what happens. If I loose another pair, I'm going headers.
These manifolds I have now are holding up, though I think I'm getting new heads. I wouldn't put anything past this Bronco, so we'll see what happens. If I loose another pair, I'm going headers.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 56
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From: Austin
Check your exhaust system hangers. There should be rubber bushing type mounts connected to the body frame and then the exhaust system hangs on these much like an engine mount. I think they call this a free flaoting system which gives the engine and exhaust system a little flex when the engine twists due to the torque. If someone, read into this an exhaust shop bonehead, welded the exhaust plumbing to the frame or something of the sort the resulting rigid system will put undue stress on the cast iron maifolds as the engine twist under load and they will crack.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
summit shorties are crap, dont waste your time. i did and payed for it big time. they never seal up good and the quality sucks. think about it the summit headers are really flowtech and pacesetters manufacturing defect headers. they cant sell them so summit buys em and sells them. trust me spend a little more and get some gibson headers they are probably the next step up and are better quality.
Did you inspect your motor mounts, if they are bad . putting headers isnt going to solve a hole lot. plus there cheap like 10-20 bucks for both sides.
late
Did you inspect your motor mounts, if they are bad . putting headers isnt going to solve a hole lot. plus there cheap like 10-20 bucks for both sides.
late