Quick fix inlet manifold leak

[SpartacusF]

I have a manifold leak on a Ford pre-cross flow engine. This does both exhaust and inlet, and dismantling is a big job. I wonder if there is a way of introducing a liquid sealing compound externally on the inlet leak as a temporary fix?

[stevieturbo]

SpartacusF said:

I have a manifold leak on a Ford pre-cross flow engine. This does both exhaust and inlet, and dismantling is a big job. I wonder if there is a way of introducing a liquid sealing compound externally on the inlet leak as a temporary fix?

And exactly what is leaking ? exhaust part ? inlet part ? other ? What material ?

What is the nature of the leak ? hole ? corrosion ? crack ? other ?

Obviously any liquid....will not tolerate heat. Any sort of epoxy will need very good prep before applying and again will depend on application. And heat tolerance for say an exhaust manifold is unlikely for any length of time.


You state inlet...so is it only the inlet side that's leaking ? What are the symptoms ? Or is it an exhaust blowout or something else ?

[SpartacusF]

Inlet and exhaust are on the same side, there is some exhaust blow and I think a small resulting adjacent inlet leak.

[SpartacusF]

Inlet and exhaust are on the same side, there is some exhaust blow and I think a small resulting adjacent inlet leak.

[paul_c123]

I can't think of any appropriate repair other than removing the component which is leaking and fixing the hole, be that the sealing surface (eg replacing the gasket) or the manifold itself, which might be weldable but probably isn't.

It could be bodged with eg exhaust repair putty but it won't last.

[Sardonicus]

Its not a big job on a pre XF lets be honest , even if it has side draught carbs etc do it right and swap out the combined in/ex gasket air leaks dont just develop on metal manifolds if all is well so its either a clamping issue or crap gasket faces or even a cracked manifold or I suspect a deteriorating gasket the cause hence my comment to just renew it

[SpartacusF]

It does all need to come off and I have the gasket but it’s in an historic single seater and space and is a huge job as space is so tight.

[GreenV8S]

Do you have enough access to apply Oyltite Stik epoxy? The temperature range isn't huge (up to about 170C iirc) but if it's against the head and mainly on the inlet side then that may be enough. At least it's unlikely to make the problem any worse.

[stevieturbo]

SpartacusF said:

It does all need to come off and I have the gasket but it’s in an historic single seater and space and is a huge job as space is so tight.

So again, is it cracked ? rotten ? other ?

And you seem to be claiming both exhaust and intake areas are a problem ? If so, sounds like a pretty large crack or damaged area ? meaning any bodge job less likely to work.

More details. Or clean up as best you can and try a metal epoxy repair. Or if you can get heat to it, braze it up in lieu of a weld type repair.