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Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166750] Wed, 18 April 2012 18:24 Go to next message
MangoMushroom is currently offline  MangoMushroom   United States
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Installed a new Remflex gasket to replace the one I'd installed 50k miles ago, and fixed the exhaust leak. For about 2 days.

Then, RH exhaust manifold cracked. Great. It is visibly cracked on the outside, which is making the flat faces warp and allow exhaust leak

What is the best gameplan? Rehab the existing one? Find a new one? Any suggestions where I might find one? Yes, I know, GMC Swap Meet Wink

Thanks everybody!



****MangoMushroom `76 GMC Birchaven named "Harvey"

Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166773 is a reply to message #166750] Wed, 18 April 2012 21:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
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MangoMushroom wrote on Wed, 18 April 2012 17:24

Installed a new Remflex gasket to replace the one I'd installed 50k miles ago, and fixed the exhaust leak. For about 2 days.

Then, RH exhaust manifold cracked. Great. It is visibly cracked on the outside, which is making the flat faces warp and allow exhaust leak

What is the best gameplan? Rehab the existing one? Find a new one? Any suggestions where I might find one? Yes, I know, GMC Swap Meet Wink

Thanks everybody!



Although they can be welded, it takes a real pro and even then, it's a marginal fix. You can find these on ebay or soliscit someone who has put on headers. Although many folks have switched to headers, that may not be your best choice right now.Cinnabar also has new ones.


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166780 is a reply to message #166773] Wed, 18 April 2012 22:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Berry is currently offline  Gary Berry   United States
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I'm bringing a set plus an extra passenger side (I think) to sell at
the GMCWS swap meet next week. Any chance you'll be there???

On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 7:56 PM, Bob de Kruyff <NEXT2POOL@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> MangoMushroom wrote on Wed, 18 April 2012 17:24
>>
>> Then, RH exhaust manifold cracked.  Great.  It is visibly cracked on the outside, which is making the flat faces warp and allow exhaust leak
>>

Gary and Diana Berry
73 CL Stretch in Wa.
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Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166785 is a reply to message #166750] Thu, 19 April 2012 01:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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Get some Headers and be done with it.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166790 is a reply to message #166785] Thu, 19 April 2012 03:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MangoMushroom is currently offline  MangoMushroom   United States
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Ken, just curious as to why I should do headers. The last ex manifold lasted 150/160k miles. The remflex gasket I installed lasted the last 40/50k.

what advantage do headers have? forgive my naivety if i am exhibiting any Smile


****MangoMushroom `76 GMC Birchaven named "Harvey"

Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166791 is a reply to message #166790] Thu, 19 April 2012 03:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MangoMushroom is currently offline  MangoMushroom   United States
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well, i answered my own question by reading this:

<a href="http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question172.htm" target="_blank"></a>

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question172.htm


****MangoMushroom `76 GMC Birchaven named "Harvey"

[Updated on: Thu, 19 April 2012 03:49]

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Re: [GMCnet] Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166793 is a reply to message #166785] Thu, 19 April 2012 03:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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Ken is correct
you can do it now, or you can do it later
http://gmcmotorhome.info/engine.html#manifold

but you will change to headers one day

this is one of those GREAT choices / options that we, the GMC faithful, can
use

JWID
gene


On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 11:54 PM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:

>
>
> Get some Headers and be done with it.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
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Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
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Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166794 is a reply to message #166773] Thu, 19 April 2012 04:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MangoMushroom is currently offline  MangoMushroom   United States
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Bob, why would headers not be my best option? Price I suppose?

The truth is, a used ex manifold would be cheap and I can install myself. I'm pretty sure headers would cost at least 5x as much and I'm about 5x less likely to be able to do the job myself Confused

Another thing to consider is that I've got an old dirty engine that has likely never been rebuilt, and isn't a work of art to look at. That being said, she has been a trooper for the 5 years I've had her, and generally with my coach I've tried to stay faithful to original design when replacing things. Might not be the smartest thing to do, but I have somewhat of a romantic notion of leaving things the way they were originally designed.



****MangoMushroom `76 GMC Birchaven named "Harvey"

[Updated on: Thu, 19 April 2012 04:05]

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Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166795 is a reply to message #166750] Thu, 19 April 2012 05:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
g.winger is currently offline  g.winger   United States
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I have a set I took off my 403. But they are in the state of Misery(opps,missouri),,,,PL
Re: [GMCnet] Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166811 is a reply to message #166795] Thu, 19 April 2012 10:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Berry is currently offline  Gary Berry   United States
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Yep, headers present their own set of problems, but if you do the
procedure that GeneF recommends then you likely won't have any
problems with blown gaskets. I've installed 3 sets of headers on 3
different GMCs and they worked great. Still up in the air if they made
any improvements in performance or mileage, but they sure sound good.

--
Gary and Diana Berry
73 CL Stretch in Wa.
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Re: [GMCnet] Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166822 is a reply to message #166794] Thu, 19 April 2012 12:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Andre,

Check eBay, I just bought a left manifold for less than $100.

Regards,
Rob M.


-----Original Message-----
From: Andre Mandel


Bob, why would headers not be my best option? Price I suppose?

The truth is, a used ex manifold would be cheap and I can install myself.
I'm pretty sure headers would cost at least 5x as much and I'm about 5x less
likely to be able to do the job myself :?

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166823 is a reply to message #166822] Thu, 19 April 2012 12:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
hertfordnc is currently offline  hertfordnc   United States
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Andre,

I have a pair of GMC manifolds. Free for the price of shipping (round UP on the shipping, i always lose money)

I got them in a trade, not knowing they were usesless on the REVCON. (no comments Rob and Dan)

THey've been resurfaced once. not sure if they took too much off.

I can send photos.

dave - zip code 27944


Dave & Ellen Silva Hertford, NC 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021 It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166826 is a reply to message #166750] Thu, 19 April 2012 13:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bwevers is currently offline  bwevers   United States
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Mango,
The metal in the old exhaust manifolds get's pretty thin after 35 years of rust. A used manifold might not last long. Mine cracked again soon after being welded. $600 for a set of Doug's headers seems to be the proven solution.

You could make a set of custom headers. The labor involved gets expensive.

Regards,
Bill


Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States 1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon 455 F Block, G heads San Jose
Re: [GMCnet] Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166830 is a reply to message #166823] Thu, 19 April 2012 13:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Dave,

Jeez I was going to say something nice but I guess I won't! ;-)

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: dave silva

Andre,

I have a pair of GMC manifolds. Free for the price of shipping (round UP on
the shipping, i always lose money)

I got them in a trade, not knowing they were usesless on the REVCON. (no
comments Rob and Dan)

THey've been resurfaced once. not sure if they took too much off.

I can send photos.

dave - zip code 27944
--
Dave & Ellen Silva

1972 Revcon Olds 455, toro drive train. All Stock


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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166831 is a reply to message #166791] Thu, 19 April 2012 13:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
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MangoMushroom wrote on Thu, 19 April 2012 01:48

well, i answered my own question by reading this:

<a href="http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question172.htm" target="_blank"></a>

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question172.htm


The above is an over simplification. For the most part, headers will not provide any improvement in performance with our engines in our application. (Too low RPM's for the flow improvements of headers to really "show".) In fact you might loose a little torque.

There is something to be said for keeping something stock. The manifolds make a simpler system and where designed to have NO gasket between the engine and manifold. But age (rust and heat) and leaks (from the rust and warping from the heat) have combined to make a seal without gaskets almost impossible.

So... you'll need a gasket. The gasket will interfere with the cooling of the manifold. (Normally the engine block would provide this cooling.) As a result the manifolds will crack easier than they would originally.

The advantage of headers, for us, is that they do not crack so you are more likely to keep a good seal. They flex with the heat and cool themselves better than a manifold with a gasket. (Leaving more heat around the motor... oh-well nothing is all good.)

SO... what would I do in your situation? How long do you plan on keeping the coach? If not long, find a replacement manifold. (I understand that the right one is easier to find (cheaper) than the left. Also they are different 455/403.) If you plan on keeping the coach, go with headers.


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: [GMCnet] Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166834 is a reply to message #166831] Thu, 19 April 2012 13:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Mike,

Here's a link to dyno runs that JimB had done on an engine:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=40002

If the heads and manifold are in good shape one can use these gaskets and
not loose heat transfer.

http://www.bdub.net/lenzi/index.html#CopperGaskets

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Miller

The above is an over simplification. For the most part, headers will not
provide any improvement in performance with our engines in our application.
(Too low RPM's for the flow improvements of headers to really "show".) In
fact you might loose a little torque.

There is something to be said for keeping something stock. The manifolds
make a simpler system and where designed to have NO gasket between the
engine and manifold. But age (rust and heat) and leaks (from the rust and
warping from the heat) have combined to make a seal without gaskets almost
impossible.

So... you'll need a gasket. The gasket will interfere with the cooling of
the manifold. (Normally the engine block would provide this cooling.) As
a result the manifolds will crack easier than they would originally.

The advantage of headers, for us, is that they do not crack so you are more
likely to keep a good seal. They flex with the heat and cool themselves
better than a manifold with a gasket. (Leaving more heat around the
motor... oh-well nothing is all good.)

SO... what would I do in your situation? How long do you plan on keeping
the coach? If not long, find a replacement manifold. (I understand that
the right one is easier to find (cheaper) than the left. Also they are
different 455/403.) If you plan on keeping the coach, go with headers.

--
Mike

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166840 is a reply to message #166750] Thu, 19 April 2012 15:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
noi is currently offline  noi   United States
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Greetings:

Not sure if these exhaust manifolds are applicable to our GMC’s (and only 403’s if they are), but came across this company a while back and bookmarked them as something interesting and to investigate further in the future:

http://thorntonmusclecars.com/products/manifolds/350-jr-exhaust-manifolds

Carl P.
76 Birchaven
South of Fremont
Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166844 is a reply to message #166840] Thu, 19 April 2012 16:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob Raef is currently offline  Bob Raef   United States
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Andre

The exhaust manifolds off of the 403 will not fit on your 455 engine.



Bob Raef, KF5TYA
(575) 973-2273
Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166845 is a reply to message #166750] Thu, 19 April 2012 16:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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This might be what you're looking for:

< http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-GMC-motorhome-1974-1977-1978-vintage-camping-/290699771114?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash =item43af0e7cea>

Sorry, I don't have that tiny url thing figured out yet.


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: Cracked RH Exhaust Manifold [message #166846 is a reply to message #166845] Thu, 19 April 2012 16:16 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Bob Raef is currently offline  Bob Raef   United States
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If his is a 1976 Birchaven then it will have a 455 motor if it has not been swapped out for something other than a 455. the manifolds on ebay are for a 403 and will not fit a 455.

Bob Raef, KF5TYA
(575) 973-2273
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