A bit in panic mode-S.O.S.

[Tinster]

Alan et al: Sorry to jump the thread but I sure be
needing some expert advice really damned fast.

I decided to go ahead and install the new carbs and
the new intake manifold, get the car running and then
take it over to my buddy who owns a total muffler shop.
Ricky can easily fabricate a custom system for me.

I got the rusty pipes disconnected without any broken
parts. I have all the new brass nuts, new studs, new
short clamps, new gaskets, new heat shield, new carbs,
new intake manifold- the works. BUT.............

I cannot get the old exhaust manifold out of the engine
compartment without removing the starter and solenoid.
-No room, it is stuck.

So my entire engine insides are now being exposed to beach front salt air, 100% humidity since we are having a
tropical storm today.

I am in a bit of a panic as to what to do with all the
parts I have. I must get this engine closed up and against
the salt air and rain. I am afraid to scrape the old gasket materials off the engine and header metal.

Please, some expert. What should I do immediately???
Please.... in minute detail if possible. I follow directions well.

A photo of what I have right this moment is attached.

thanks as always

dale- sweating cold bullets in PR

 

[Guest]

You appear to have headers not a stock manifold. At least to my eyes here...

Cut the connecting pipe(s) under the car as close to the end of the headers as possible - if you can't seperate them normally that is. It should slide right out of the top then.

The join is about a foot behind the firewall if they are anything like mine.

 

[bobh]

Do you have any large garbage bags? Is so, cover the entire engine as far down as you can by putting it inside the bag (upside down over the engine). You may want to put some smaller bags over the alternater, distributor, each carb.... before trying to cover it with the garbage bag. You may also want to cover the battery. Salt water is conductive. If the battery gets soaked there is a chance that it may short. That is a problem with boats when they are taking on water. If the battery is submerged in salt water they cannot start the engine. Granted this is a little beyond what you may see with the storm, but it's only a little more effort.
You going to get out your surfboard and catch a few waves?

 

[sammyb]

You can also simply remove the starter. Takes about 20 minutes to remove and refit. Only two bolts.

 

[Tinster]

Alana- I HAVE the header pipes disconnected
behind the firewall. I do not know how to get
the old gasket material off the metal sufaces
and to prepare the metal surfaces for the new
gasket and all the new componets. What needs to be accomplished before I put the new gasket in place.
How do I install a new gasket? Bentley does not
tell me how to install the gasket.

Can I use a straight blade razor to remove the gasket remnants? Or for example. Should I spray everything with silicone/oil or DW-40 oil before I place the new gasket??

Thanks,

dale

 

[Guest]

Sorry - misunderstood; that said then I'm with Sammy - take out the starter. Its pretty easy.

As to the old gasket material, I'd use a scraper. Others might have a better idea as I didn't have that problem.

From what I remember the new gasket just gets clamped in place. ISTR metal side in, but that was in one of the books and someone here will correct if I'm wrong.

 

[martx-5]

Why does the header have to come out of the car??? In the picture, it looks as if there is plenty of room to clean up the surfaces on the head and the header. Use a stiff putty knife/scraper...one that has an edge. You can also use that razor you mentioned if you have one of those holders for them. The razors are good for the final touch-up work... to get the last remnants of the gasket off.

 

[Tinster]

razor cleaning is now being performed.
Should I spray the cleaned surfaces with anything?
Should I spray the new gasket with anything?


thanks,

d

 

[Guest]

I didn't - I think it just needs to be clean.

 

[martx-5]

My thoughts on the matter are that it's the gasket that does the sealing. The only time I use anything when installing a gasket would be just to hold it in place to make the assembly a little easier. Since you have those studs sticking out, they will hold the gasket in place.

Others may diasagree and advise what works best for them.

 

[Tinster]

Thanks!

All surfaces are now cleaned with straight edge razor
and wiped clean with mineral spirits. All visible debris
removed from ports. Will re-install exhaust pipes and
then re-install PVC plugs to seal intake ports.

d

 

[Tinster]

Mission Accomplished-
Engine sealed tight for the night!

Thaks everyone for the guidance.

d

 

[DNK]

Dang- I wish my SOS's were that easy.
don

 

[Harry_Ward]

True dedication tinster! I would have put the plastic bag over me and start running for the house.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

Harry
CT

 

[vettedog72]

Glad to see you got it sealed up. I noticed the new brass nuts; did you change out the studs too?

I hope the storm is not too bad on you guys. Many of us on the Gulf Coast are watching that storm with all hopes it dissipates, but it looks very scary in the forecast.

 

[Tinster]

Yes, changed out the studs I could easily remove.
I did not want to risk snapping any off w/ excessive
pressure applied.

The eye of the storm is south of us but pounding
rain for over 12 hours now. It will continue all
day Saturday they are predicting.

We are also watching the storm headed straight up the
gulf to LA or TX. Prayers for everyone on the Gulf coast.

We use "Tracking the Eye" hurricane software. I'm pretty
sure you can download a 30 day trial version. Google the
name and download.

 

[jerrybny]

Sometimes go well. Other times they don't. Looks like things went your way today. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif