exhaust manifold leak help
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
exhaust manifold leak help
I Installed a Corvette Central true dual exhaust on my 1981 corvette with stock manifolds. everything fits perfect and went in with no problems, but I have a leak from the left side manifold where it mates to the pipe.
The kit includes a donut and extension for the cast iron manifold, but the stainless manifold for 1981 seems to have the donut as part of it.
Am I missing something or am I just going to have to keep loosening it and repositioning it and hope it eventually seals all the way?
The kit includes a donut and extension for the cast iron manifold, but the stainless manifold for 1981 seems to have the donut as part of it.
Am I missing something or am I just going to have to keep loosening it and repositioning it and hope it eventually seals all the way?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; I put the same exhaust system on my 1982. If you checked out the stainless steel manifold connection, ( doughnut ) & found it to be OK, I would say you are right on the money, loosen & repositioning or just loosen & re tighten a few times while it is hot, might help also. Lucky Me I had no problems. Are you sure the manifold is not leaking at the head, I installed new header gaskets at the same time. Best of Luck. Have a great day. Gene
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Thanks Gene,
the manifold dosent appear to be cracked, I checked for leaks with a hose and its only coming from the pipe connection.
I think a set of headers will fix the problem if everything else fails LOL
the manifold dosent appear to be cracked, I checked for leaks with a hose and its only coming from the pipe connection.
I think a set of headers will fix the problem if everything else fails LOL
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; I just checked my extra set, it looks like it is welded into the manifold to me. Before the flange was welded. Maybe someone else has torn one apart. I think vette81ttop had a set for sale. Gene
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Does it look like the welds can be ground down? I dont have an assembly manual yet, but the picture in Corvette Central's catalog shows the donut and sleeve replaceable for 80-81. I know the '82 manifolds are slightly different then '81
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; Corvette Central is not talking about the stainless steel manifold. It is only showing the cast iron replacement. I think you need to remove the manifold and see what is happening. Have a great day. Gene
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I finally crawled under there yesterday to see what was going on. I found that the flange on the left side exhaust manifold broke right off.
I ordered a set of headers, new motor mounts and will be hanging the exhaust in a way that lets it float a little better because CC has you bolt the exhaust right to the crossmember.
I ordered a set of headers, new motor mounts and will be hanging the exhaust in a way that lets it float a little better because CC has you bolt the exhaust right to the crossmember.
