Is This Exhaust Manifold Repairable?

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3rdLM23P9

3rdLM23P9

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I was hearing exhaust leak noise from my 340 GTS. Pulled the driver side manifold and found this. Looks like a repair was attempted before - based on the crack in these photos, does this look repairable?

Thanks!

Manifold 2.jpg


Manifold 1.jpg


Manifold 3.jpg
 
Hard to say id say get input from a welder however if it were me, id figure it was brazed/welded once, and it lasted till this crack why not get a new one. i think they repop em...
 
Repairable, of course, cost effective? Depends on your skillset or your friends.
 
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I do have another manifold - a repop, but this one I believe is an original one as it has the correct date for the car. I would like to get it fixed if possible. I recall a FABO post long ago in which a member mentioned a welding shop in the Ft. Wayne Indiana area that did great work welding these - just can't recall the name of the outfit.

Thanks!
 
In that case its definitely worth something i wouldnt trash it untill you talk with a cast iron welder. I have heard it can be done.
 
For my 33 straight eight, i would certainly try to have it repaired, cause there is basically no alternative. I know, ive got one that looks like it has been tried to repair about ten times, in ten different places. Lots and lots of cracks
For yours, you have to decide if originality is worth the effort (which may not be successful) and the expense.
If i had a repo on the shelf waiting? For me, the answer would be no.
 
It appears to have been brazed so that would all have to be ground out. You can fix cast iron with brass and it will hold up well.
The standard fix would be to V out the crack and fill with a nickel rod (they make nickle wire for mig also). Pre-heating the part is a must and a slow cool down is important or it will crack along side of the new weld. We used to cover the part in sand for the cool down process.
Don't thorw that manifold away. You would have no problem selling it if you decide not to fix it.
 
There are even some high tech specialty rods and like said^^ pre heat and cool down, they even make a special blanket for such.
 
Unless you are experienced in doing this type of repair, take it to a professional.
If you don't you may make a part that was repairable, unrepairable
They will have the proper equipment and experience.
 
I'd give it a shot- as said, clean out all the old braze repair, preheat and prolong the cooldown. Nickel rod, or Muggyweld makes specialty rods just for this particular type of repair. Or leave it to a professional.
I think the real problem is going to be finding a machine shop willing to do a one-off setup and mill/blanchard grind the mating surfaces flat again, it's getting hard to find someone to do piecework anymore.
 
MoparLeo said:
Unless you are experienced in doing this type of repair, take it to a professional.
If you don't you may make a part that was repairable, unrepairable
They will have the proper equipment and experience.
Click to expand...
Unrepairable is what my manifold looks like. At least ten bad braze repairs, with cracks right next to them . If I grind out the braze, I will have five separate exhaust manifold pieces.
 
If is a matter of a functioning exhaust, headers are always available until you figure out what to do with the manifold. Unless this is some very rare, original car good headers may be a good option right now.
 
I've not had success getting a cracked exhaust manifold successfully repaired, even with "experienced" welders, the two I've done both blew out after firing it up the first time. Having written that, I've heard very good things about this company:

Metal Stitching & Thread Repair Inserts. - Turlock , CA - LOCK-N-STITCH, Inc

I've not personally used them, but would if I had a need. I know they've successfully repaired rare 413 Chrysler crossram 300F/G exhaust manifolds.
 
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I should have noted that someone already drilled a crack stop hole in that but they didnt go out far enough. I can see a crack just passed the hole.
 
Thanks everyone - I will find a "pro" to clean it up and weld it.
 
That's pretty ugly. When you hear from your welding shop with an estimate report back here and let us know.
 
I found the shop I was thinking of: Perkins Repair Service in Fairland, Indiana. Called and chatted with the owner, and texted him the photos for him to review and opine on - will let you know what I hear.
 
So, he got back to me quickly and said he can repair - cast iron welding - estimate $150. I think it worth that to keep the original manifold with the car.
 
3rdLM23P9 said:
So, he got back to me quickly and said he can repair - cast iron welding - estimate $150. I think it worth that to keep the original manifold with the car.
Click to expand...
Less than I expected. I would pull the trigger on that price I think. Single used manifolds are going for $2-300 each.
 
I would be tempted to pull the other one off and see if there are failing repairs or cracks. Get them both done at the same time if needed.
 
Ugly crack and a difficult repair, due to its stress point of attachment. The leak that I noticed appears to be at the top of the exhaust port. The flange may just need to be milled flat, so not to blow out the gasket.
 
Shipped it off to Perkins Repair Service yesterday - he said it would be 3 weeks before he can get to it - timing works for me. Will report back when he is done and has returned it.
 
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