Do I need a new intake manifold?

[liquidlew]

Got my 1989 4.3 Merc apart and was cleaning/painting parts and noticed something flaking on the inside bottom of the thermostat housing hole on the intake manifold. I went to feel it with my finger and a 3" by 1" by a hair thicker than 1/8 chunk of metal came loose. I don't know how thick the bottom now is but it has me concerned, I lightly tapped on it and it's still solid, no holes. I know you all are gonna tell me to replace it, thats my first thought too, but is there anything like maybe JB Weld or something that I can smear in there to build it back up? And, anyone know where, (besides ebay with any luck), I can get a replacement? I am afraid that old cast iron manifold isn't available anymore, just like the thermostat housing I found out. This manifold has 12 bolt holes and the newer ones that are readily available have only 8. I'm starting to get that sinking feeling again...

 

[rndn]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

I would think you could easily find one to fit your boat, it's not that old. Just realize that anything you put into the manifold, if it breaks free it's into your cylinders. Replace the manifold.

 

[Coors]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

Try a junkyard.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

...

 

[liquidlew]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

Yeah, I'm watching ebay and a few other places. One of you mentioned a junk yard, do you mean an auto junk yard? Is a Manifold used on a GM car engine the same as the one on a marine engine? if so, I might have better luck finding one. Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

Ayuh,.... Is it a 2bbl. or 4bbl...??...

Most of the stock automotive were Injected, which is a totally different pattern....

 

[JustJason]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

if its a saltwater boat you want a marine manifold.

If its freshwater (unless extremely brackish), or saltwater with closed cooling... your fine with an auto

 

[GiMLit]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

Found this in a quick Ebay search
Replace **** with http and you are good to go.


****://cgi.ebay.ca/GM-4-3-MARINE-INTAKE-MANIFOLD-VORTEC-8-BOLT-4BBL_W0QQitemZ310031821666QQihZ021QQcategoryZ31286QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

K just noticed you said yours has 12 bolts.
If I am not mistaken yours is a non vortec unit.
One I found and posted is a vortec unit.
Sorry

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

...

 

[marada1]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

I have one for a two bbl.

 

[Coors]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

man, there's nuthin on eBay ...holy suckage... i guess they nickle & dimed the sellers to death
Ah, the boycott is still on?

 

[liquidlew]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

Yup, mine is a 1989 non vortec 4.3 12 bolt hole cast iron 2bbl. This might get scary, only newer models on ebay, I just missed one like mine in good shape for $25 and $ 20 for shipping on ebay, my luck. I don't run in salt but would rather get an exact marine replacemnt. Yeah, if anybody out there has one or knows where to get one at a reasonable price I would sure appreciate it! Thanks everyone!

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

...

 

[liquidlew]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

Well, a 4 bbl would be fun but... with the cost of gas going so high I need to take out a loan just to go out on a weekend, I think I will stick with the 2 bbl, my 4.3 sits in a 18' Sea Ray 180 and even with 5 people in it I can still get a skier up, its got plenty of giddyup for me! If any of you guys who have one to sell, I'm definitely interested, give me the details on how to go about this. Thanks!!!

 

[marada1]

Re: Do I need a new intake manifold?

Liquidlew........
Check your private message inbox for contact info.