About to strip out my exhaust manifold...

[nola mike]

Been battling a slow leak between my aluminum manifold and cast riser for a few seasons now. Over the off season I had the manifold surface machined, and the riser is only on its second season (the surface was pristine when I put it back together). This season noticed I still have a bit of a leak. Seemed like the bolts were loosening; finally put a torque wrench on it today (I had initially torqued it to spec when I first put it back together) and it wouldn't tighten to 30 ft lbs. It still doesn't feel completely stripped, but it soon will be. Obviously, this isn't helping the leak. So, depending on what's involved I may keep an eye on it and hope I can make it through the season.

1. Is a helicoil the best/only option?
2. Can this be done with the exhaust mani still on the boat?
3. Any danger with hitting the coolant passage?

Not having to remove the manifold makes this a much easier project, as I don't have to completely drain the block a/f.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: About to strip out my exhaust manifold...

Aluminum versus steel . . . just add water and you have galvanic corrosion. You would be better with all the same type of metal for manifold and riser. Then the thing would not develop leaks and you would not be re-tightening the bolts, which leads to stripping the threads, etc.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: About to strip out my exhaust manifold...

1. Is a helicoil the best/only option?
2. Can this be done with the exhaust mani still on the boat?
3. Any danger with hitting the coolant passage?

1. helicoil is not the only option, however it is a good option.
2. if you can get a drill in there, you can leave the manifold in the boat
3. if you drill too deep, yes.

 

[nola mike]

Re: About to strip out my exhaust manifold...

1. helicoil is not the only option, however it is a good option.
.

What else can I try?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: About to strip out my exhaust manifold...

http://www.timesert.com/