cracked intake manifold huge problem?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 52
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From: Crawfordsville Indiana
cracked intake manifold huge problem?
So I noticed a crack in the intake manifold today. I am wondering If it is a huge problem and should not be driven until fixed or just something I need to watch until I rebuild the carb and then I can replace it then?
I would appreciate as much info as possible on this, if you have had this issue and what you did to address it.
Thanks in advance
Brent
I would appreciate as much info as possible on this, if you have had this issue and what you did to address it.
Thanks in advance
Brent
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Replace the intake if possible...especially if it is factory. Should not be a big issue in finding one.
The other option is having it welded. If it is aluminum...it can be welded...OR...you can look up "Muggy Weld" and watch the videos on repairing it yourself if you want to give that a try...depending on you skill level and equipment available. I use Muggy Weld products and they work great.
DUB
The other option is having it welded. If it is aluminum...it can be welded...OR...you can look up "Muggy Weld" and watch the videos on repairing it yourself if you want to give that a try...depending on you skill level and equipment available. I use Muggy Weld products and they work great.
DUB
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
How the heck did that happen!? 
It looks like it has blown out from the inside, but there's no significant pressure in there.
If the surface of the broken area is clean (not corroded, etc.), you should be able to weld it up. If the material is 'rotten' [for whatever reason], pitch it.
It looks like it has blown out from the inside, but there's no significant pressure in there. If the surface of the broken area is clean (not corroded, etc.), you should be able to weld it up. If the material is 'rotten' [for whatever reason], pitch it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
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From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Are you sure it's a crack? Maybe you could spray some carb cleaner on it when it's running, and see if it's getting through. If the rpm rises, you've got a vacuum leak and it should be repaired or replaced. If you're going to be rebuilding the carb soon, I suppose you could smear some JB Weld on it and see what happens. You can find Edelbrock 2101 intakes on ebay and craigslist for, like 50 bucks if you keep your eyes open for one.
Scott
Scott
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,091
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at some point Chevy used a version of the old iron intake cast in aluminum , maybe 78 or 79 , think one was on my 79 l82. ,if that is what you have.
These should be on ebay , or corvette junkyards fairly cheap . Probally just a poor casting that finally gave up.
These should be on ebay , or corvette junkyards fairly cheap . Probally just a poor casting that finally gave up.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
Ooooo.... That could be it. Maybe the intake was painted with a ceramic aluminum colored paint. Good catch!
To the OP-- See if you can get a small tool in under the top edge of that "crack" and lift it off.
To the OP-- See if you can get a small tool in under the top edge of that "crack" and lift it off.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Crawfordsville Indiana
The intake was never on a boat, it's all origional matching mumbers, it is the origional intake never taken off the car. there isn't any fluid or anything spraying out or leaking. It would be gas that would come out right not oil? What would I notice the car doing if it was a crack, would it not run, would it be blowing out gas and or oil, would it be running like crap? Is it safe to drive in that condition?
Last edited by Rubetech; Sep 12, 2013 at 07:24 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
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From: Bridgewater nj
The intake was never on a boat, it's all origional matching mumbers, it is the origional intake never taken off the car. there isn't any fluid or anything spraying out or leaking. It would be gas that would come out right not oil? What would I notice the car doing if it was a crack, would it not run, would it be blowing out gas and or oil, would it be running like crap? Is it safe to drive in that condition?
The worst thing that could happen is that cylinder running lean and possibly over heating that cylinder.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 52
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From: Crawfordsville Indiana
so the Edelbrock 2101 intake is the the intake that is the low profile that fits under the hood? Is that about the only elderbrock that fits that application, or just the lowest cost one? I have been having a hard time finding specifications on height when I have been shopping for intakes are there others that fit? is the Edelbrock 2101 intake going to give me an increase in preformance over stock?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: coon rapids mn
you should have a spread bore carb,bigger ventures in the rear .so you need a spread bore intake if your intake is cracked.a elderbrock intake should add 5-10 hp.weiand has a intake that fits also .
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Redondo Beach, California
I've never seen anything like this. Maybe take a small Dremel tool and grind out the crack to see what you're working with. If the crack is really deep into the aluminum casting, I like the suggestion to drill a small hole at each end of the crack. This is to stop it spreading. If its deep into the aluminum manifold, I'd think you can have it heli-arced (TIG) without removing the manifold.
Actually, if you grind out the crack, etc, a cheap Charlie fix may be to seal up the crack with gas resistant RTV. The pressure difference between the inside of the manifold and the outside will never be more than about 10 pounds per square inch. so sealing is not difficult.
Actually, if you grind out the crack, etc, a cheap Charlie fix may be to seal up the crack with gas resistant RTV. The pressure difference between the inside of the manifold and the outside will never be more than about 10 pounds per square inch. so sealing is not difficult.