Manifold Dilemma

jbwthree

jbwthree

Member
On the growing list of things to sort out on my recently acquired ‘30 Tudor is a cracked intake manifold. I ordered a new one from Mike’s and I’ve since taken the Autolite heater off and found that I have a “waffle style” manifold beneath. I was considering ordering a new exhaust manifold but now I’m not sure what to do. The Autolite manifold exterior fins look pretty beat so I’m not sure what I’ll find when I pull it off. Looking for opinions on whether this thing might be worth trying to save.


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Not sure exactly what you're asking – are you asking whether the waffle-style exhaust manifold is rare and thus should you try to recondition your existing one?
 
If you like your Autolite heater manifold, and your old one is cracked and can't be repaired, Autolites are fairly common at swap meets. At least they are here in the Midwest. Maybe we will get lucky and be over the pandemic in time for next season's swap meets? Look for straight one with no cracks or breaks.
 
As another one has said, niot sure what you’re asking. I also have one of the waffle manifolds and Autolite heater, but do not have them installed, as I live in Charleston, SC, where super cold weather doesn’t usually happen.

I did have to replace my exhaust manifold recently because of warpage/drooping at #4 cylinder. I bought a replacement from Bratton’s, had it planed with the intake manifold bolted to it, and couldn’t;t be happier. Excellent fit, no leaks and my roadster is plenty warm enough without the manifold heater.

Jim
 
You will want that manifold heater in a Massachusetts winter. (Or any heater, for that matter.) I suggest you keep it and make it work. You said your intake manifold was cracked. That shoudn’t affect the exhaust manifold. Also, the Autolite manifolds are less apt to sag. Keep it if you can.

By the way, I visited East Sandwich about 30 years ago and loved it. Beautiful area. Always wanted to return, but haven’t made it yet.
 
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Take it off, clean it up, use new gaskets and put her back together. Don't over think this stuff. Drive that car and enjoy it. Good luck.
 
Jacksonlll said:
Take it off, clean it up, use new gaskets and put her back together. Don't over think this stuff. Drive that car and enjoy it. Good luck.
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This is probably the response I most needed ! I am an engineer and tend to overthink things.

I really had 2 questions in mind when I posted. The first had to do with whether the waffle style manifold would give more heat (important consideration here in the Northeast). The second was whether there was some novelty value to the waffle style manifold that was worth preserving.

JacksonIII essentially answered both without knowing my intent ! Thanks all...

Taken yesterday, to reinforce the point of why I need a heater !
5b89fed4d0633b9059327e34a980898d.jpg



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jbwthree said:
On the growing list of things to sort out on my recently acquired ‘30 Tudor is a cracked intake manifold. I ordered a new one from Mike’s and I’ve since taken the Autolite heater off and found that I have a “waffle style” manifold beneath. I was considering ordering a new exhaust manifold but now I’m not sure what to do. The Autolite manifold exterior fins look pretty beat so I’m not sure what I’ll find when I pull it off. Looking for opinions on whether this thing might be worth trying to save.


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When you get the new intake manifold, bolt it together with your existing exhaust manifold. If the mounting surfaces are not even, make sure that you get them machined before mounting the set onto the engine.

Don/WI
 
Don/WI said:
When you get the new intake manifold, bolt it together with your existing exhaust manifold. If the mounting surfaces are not even, make sure that you get them machined before mounting the set onto the engine.

Don/WI
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Also for heaven's sake make sure you paint them before you bolt them together. I got my manifold as a single unit, used stock from Bert's, bolts rusted to hell, and it has been a PITA to paint the intake Ford green and the exhaust Eastwood cast iron gray.
 
Rolling up the windows will also help eliminate that cold chill..... Sorry couldn't help myself

You have a great looking car! Send that picture to the MAFCA Webmaster for the "A" of the Day Photo, they are looking for some winter Model A photos.
 
I couldnt give those heater manifolds away. Just scrapped about 6 on my last scrap metal run. So id say no on value
 
PalAl said:
Rolling up the windows will also help eliminate that cold chill..... Sorry couldn't help myself

You have a great looking car! Send that picture to the MAFCA Webmaster for the "A" of the Day Photo, they are looking for some winter Model A photos.
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A great winter picture! The only thing better would be a vapor trail from the exhaust, closing the windshield will help also..... I didn't start it! :)
 
[mention]J Franklin [/mention] thank you, not really but my iPhone makes up for it !

[mention]PalAl [/mention] and [mention]Big hammer [/mention] good eyes, the windows were open because I had the dogs along for the ride and the huskies insist on it !

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Regarding manifold paint: I bought some 2,000 degree exhaust manifold paint from Tractor supply. After drying it requires a 3 stage heat cure. I figured my wife would shoot me it I tired to do it in the oven so I used the gas fired BarBQ outside. The oven didn't get hot enough for the final stage anyway.

Regarding rusted bolts: I tried the easyout but finally had to drill out what remained of the old bolts and install helicoils. I drilled through but I don't think it will hurt anything to not have the blind hole. I will use anti-seize.
 
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