Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I am asking this out of ignorance. Do you suppose JB Weld would work on a cracked exhaust manifold?

I've heard it tried on Ford 8N tractors, but not on a Packard. It's not like you have much to lose by trying it!

If you do try it, use the right one. They have a extreme temperature version. I've seen it used in an industrial application by pipefitters and millwrights on ducting and piping for temporary repairs to get through to a shutdown or outage scenario. Take note it doesn't have the same mechanical properties of the regular JB Weld.

Brazing not an option Cartrich?? A far superior 'fix' and properly done, will last. I had a cast mixing elbow on the diesel in my sailboat brazed and it lasted 20 years before cracking again. Lots of heat there and with the constant cold water mixing, lots of temperature change. Worth considering. Chris.

Brazing is not out of the question. I was just being lazy seeing how JB Weld has fixed just about everything I've used it for so far.

If you can find an old experienced welder who has the correct welding rod, they can be arc-welded. Bob

Having seen metal stitching used a few times now, I would advocate stitching over brazing or welding - far fewer complications with embrittlement, weld contamination, etc.

I used Loc-N-Stich's product on my 115C engine block. They were very helpful, and I am sure they could advise you if a repair using that method would be practical.

I would try and find a good one before for going through all the drama of trying to mend the crack. David Flack, David Moe and others may be able to help you locate a sound manifold.

Hi,
I recently had the exhaust manifold on my 1929 re-enameled by Tom Sparrow at Prairie Auto Porcelain in Minnesota (507-581-9887). Tom told me where to look for cracks in my manifold while we were talking on the phone...he knows these manifolds extremely well. Sure enough...mine was cracked right where he said it was. I sent it back and he had a guy, I think in Nebraska, weld it.

I also had a cracked cylinder head on the same car which Rick Geertsema at A&C Casting Rebuilders (415-269-5483) in Kelseyville, California repaired. He's not cheap, but welding cast iron is a serious mix of art and science. Rick works on everything from one of a kind antique tractor mainfolds to engine blocks for Salt Flat racers.

Both Rick and Tom do work for most of the major restoration shops and the quality of their work is top shelf.

John Wogec