Exhaust manifold machining

[andyy]

Evening all.

I've just undertaken the yearly replacement of the exhaust gaskets on my 500 and would like to try and do the job properly for once!

The faces of the manifold look fairly pitted to me - pics below

Is it possible to get theses machined smooth and is it likely to make any difference to the life of the gaskets if I do?

[phazed]

Difficult to hold them to machine.

Draw filing is acceptable and works well.

[ukdj]

as Peter said not the easiest job to do as they are difficult to hold and machine, although I did get mine done at a local machine shop (Rochester area of Kent) with great results.

let me know if you want contact info and I'll dig it out.

[carsy]

I don't think machining them would make much difference they seem ok where the gasket seals.

Which gaskets are you using. I've used the ones that Power sell and they don't seem to last too well. The metal type ones from ACT last far better imo.

[andyy]

I've been using some 'performance' ones for the last effort - not sure what make - lasted about 1000 miles and when I took it apart this week every port had at least 2 cracks across the face of the gasket.

Having googled the problem I've now ordered some Remflex gaskets from the States which apparently will solve all my problems and i'll never need to replace them!

We'll see

In the meantime i'll have a go at draw filing the faces.

[tom's dad]

Knight Engineering Services, Northampton did a great job on mine a couple of months ago.