Weber and Pierce manifold owners...

[bigjones]

As part of the head gasket replacement, I need to take off the manifolds.

Now, how do you get at those pesky bottom bolts (green arrow). EDIT: OK, never mind. I've got a nice set of Kobalt wrenches that are a lot longer than the regular Craftsman and I can just get my hand down and untighten one flat at a time.

Also, the intake (Pierce) and exhaust manifolds have different flange thicknesses (red arrows). It appears the clamps take care of it but is that normal?

Clamp seems to be missing from the bottom bolt and it looks loose to me.

Where do folks get Weber gaskets from? (Weber to manifold gasket, in case I have to remove the carb and the gasket gets torn).

Much appreciate any suggestions.

Cheers

 

[jvandyke]

I don't remember any bottom bolts. I had a Pierce/Weber/Pacesetter on my 1098. The flange thickness issue is a known "charm" of the Pacesetter (across the board, same with my Pacesetter on my old Opel). I used some washers cut in half as shims. I almost ground down the Pierce to match the Pacesetter but didn't (and I'm glad I didn't because I ditched the Pierce and Weber to return to SUs and that works better for me). I kept the Pacesetter so I still have the lovely flange thickness differential to enjoy (sarcasm). It seems to have stayed sealed but, basically, the Pacesetter sucks.
I bought some gaskets I think from VB but they are so simple you can just make your own easy enough, reuse the old if it wasn't glued on and thus ruined (don't do that).

Wait, you never mentioned you had a Pacesetter did you? Sorry. I thought the Pierce intake would match up alright with the stock exhaust. It doesn't? I would suggest getting the which ever is thicker ground down to match the thinner. Intake and exhaust leaks may abound otherwise.

It also looks like the studs are longer than mine, you have room for those nice thick "spacer" washer things.

 

[bthompson]

My solution...

I had heard somewhere that it's not good to have the clamps askew; they could crack and fail. Also heard it's not good to grind the flanges on the manifold, as it could weaken. Welding a spacer or washer was recommended, but I just have two galvanized washers wedged in behind the clamps and they're holding fine. I had considered sticking them in place with JBWeld, but the little divots on the clamps sit in the washer holes and hold them in place. No manifold leaks, and it's been over a year now. Now granted I have stock exhaust; but that what's worked for me.

 

[Gundy]

On my Cruisers with headers this different flange thickness is common. We use washer cut in half making a "C". JB weld the sucker on side of the "clamp" that is low. The JB weld holds them in place till you can tighten 'em down. You can grind the "C" to proper thickness or just get washer the right thickness.
Holding strong for a few decades and counting. Just a little smear of JB Weld is all you need, like a film. When it has
set...I like an overnight...just grind the sucker to the perfect thickness.

 

[regularman]

I see your problem, the intake manifold is on the wrong side. :wink:

 

[Guest]

The Felpro number is around here somewhere for the gasket.

 

[bigjones]

JVanDyke,
Thanks for the post. This car has a header not the stock manifold, btw. The bottom bolts go through the bottom flange of the (Pierce) intake manifold. They are not connected to the exhaust via clamps, which is kind of strange. ie the exhaust manifold is only bolted at the top and sides. Could the installer have left out clamps? I don't know.

Bill,
Thanks for the warning and the tip on using JB Weld.

Gundy,
Thanks for the post about the c washers - I'll try and make some up. How's the back holding up, btw?

Kim,
I hear you but we gotta work with what we got, right! :laugh:

KellysGuy,
Thanks for the post. I left the carb attached to the intake manifold so fortunately I don't need a gasket right now.

Cheers!

 

[Gundy]

My back is doing so well I don't think about it most days now.
Still taking it easy. No pain meds in weeks. Thanks for asking.

BTW: I also use those Remflex gaskets on the Cruisers. They
help to fill in gaps. Don't know if they are available for LBCs.
Goggle Remflex.

 

[bigjones]

Yeah, I was thinking of you when I was trying to yank out the cylinder head yesterday.

Looks like the Remflex is available for the 1500 Midget.

OK, correction:

The lower bolts do not go through the Pierce intake manifold. I just took another look and there is no hole there. Maybe they just clamp up against the bottom of the manifold - is that acceptable?

Cheers!