Welding the manifold

[jakub]

Just after short browse of the internet one learns that cracked manifold is one of the most often failures of the GMC. So it did happen to me as well.

Firstly I was trying to get new one, found one but price was less than reasonable. So I’ve tried to weld it.
There is workshop close to my place where they engine machining like crankshaft dimensioning, honeing of cylinders and some other strange things like cylinder ovalisation (when there are no new pistons available, they will size down old pistons, make new rings and new cylinder sleeve and then oval the sleeve so old piston will fit new cylinder.
So I went there, they tried and declined because quote: - this manifold is of extremely poor quality consisting mainly of sand not iron - nothing to weld into - end of quote. Thankfully I’ve found other workshop, this time welding specialist, they used furnace to heat up whole part first, weld later and slowly cool. At least this is what they told me but they sort of avoid discussion about details of the process. Since the manifold was heated up and welded it required replanning but is pretty straightforward process. So far almost one year and 1400 miles later it works as it should. So when cracking occurs don’t panic just find right workshop.

I would post some pictures but that requires skills I don’t poses, so if you’d like to see pictures please help to include them.

[rixtoys52]

Great story . Glad the repair is holding. Welding cast iron is hard.