Manifold- reassembling

[KKV270]

Hi.

Just got my heat risers cleared off the carbon that had blocked in resulting to carb ice and all related problems.

I was able to remove the manifold without bringing the engine down. The return process was a nightmare...needless to say, unsuccessful as the manifold wont automatically sit onto its socket.

Any advice for me? what can I do to stretch the pipes back to the socket? I am thinking of bringing the engine down just to ensure a good job....but would be willing to hear what guys whove been through what this did.

Regards.

[hercdriver]

It's hard to say without a picture, but it sounds like you bent the heat riser tubes to get the manifold off.

I've taken the manifold off, but it was with the engine out. Did you remove the generator stand and pull the manifold out from under the generator?

If you can get it close to where it needs to be, you maybe able to use the threads and nuts to draw the ends into place. Be very careful though. If you try to re-bend the manifold too much, you could pull the studs out of the cylinder heads.

Without seeing what you have, I'd say you need to pull the engine. It'll give you a lot more room to work. You should also replace the gaskets between the manifold and cylinder head/flanges.

[KKV270]

Hi.
Thanks for the feedback. I unfortunately don't have a camera...no wonder I have picless posts.

I removed the generator to get to the manifold. Thing is, it had 'clawed-in' and like popped out when I pried it.
I guess I can enjoy another new experience of bringing my motor out to ensure a good and safe job as I felt too much tension on the bolt threads earlier.
Thanks

[h~moto]

I don't see a need to pull the engine to install the manifold. The only extra work of installing while the engine is in the car is that you may need to remove the engine cover and engine cover hinge brackets so that you can lift the fan shroud enough to get the generator back into position. I am not sure how you removed the generator and what you would have been prying. Put the manifold in position on the cylinder head studs. I assume it is the heat riser part of the manifold that is not lining up. Make note of how much the heat risers need to be bent to align correctly. Remove manifold and place in a bench vise. Have some method of measuring how much you have moved the risers. Heat the riser with a propane torch where it needs to bend. If you have a show car this may result if an unacceptable appearance if you heat it much. A large adjustable wrench or pipe wrench on the riser flange might assist in the bending. Whenever you remove a manifold that had been bolted down, you need to replace the gaskets. The seam in the gasket goes face down on the cylinder head.

[KKV270]

H-Moto,

Thanks for the feedback. As I was following up on your option, I realized my previous work was not in vain. The manifold had attained the new stretch and was a much easier fix next time round. Unfortunately, I don't have any gaskets. I temporarily used silicon seal....not sure whether that is a good idea. Well, just about to crank and see the results.

I will definately work on getting a set of gaskets.

Cheers.

[KKV270]

Hi.

Good news. The manifolds must have sat into position. The car cranked well.

Also grateful to a friend who helped me with timing matters. This got my car gaining the accelleration speed and performance I have been looking for.

Thanks to you all for your valuable information as well.

Regards.

[hercdriver]

Great job! Glad to hear you're back on the road.

[Blue Baron]

Never use silicon to seal the manifold. Get the proper gaskets or reuse the old ones.

[KKV270]

Oops!! Thanks Blue Baron for the warning. Will make sure never to.