But if it were attached to a head, it'd still be free at the end where the break is, correct?
True, but the business end of it is at the point where it attaches to the head and could potentially be a fitment problem or a source for leaks. The "meat" of the runner at its bend poses no threat for not fitting anything, nor would it leak (unless the welder doesn't do his job correctly).
I'm not saying a good welder can't do it, and that it will result in problems. I was only suggesting that to
minimize the potential for problems, bolting it up is a good idea. If you don't have access to a head, then the question is moot, and you can only do what you can do.
One thing you might consider is mocking up a thick steel plate with studs correctly placed as they are on your engine's head, then bolt everything up to it and clamp it to the welding table. When my son was learning to weld from the owner of a local shop, he did all his work on a huge thick steel table, maybe 3" thick. If your welder has a steel work table, maybe he can drill into it to tap threads for the properly spaced studs (make him a template or use a new gasket). Bolt the pieces down for welding, and when done, cut off the studs and grind the table smooth again.
Your price just went up from $30, but hey, I always say, "There's more than one way to skin a cat."
Two more cents,
Jerry
. Anyone know someone who can weld it up in the Rochester, NY area? Or have a suggestion how to fix it? It's a fairly clean break right at the end of the runner where it joins the plenum.
