exhaust cracked (whats the bad news)

[twbowhunter]

i was working on my sons bronco and found that the ear were the last bolt is for the exhaust manifold on top by the starter is cracked, the bad part is its not the manifold it is the head it has broke in to places and the piece is pinched between the manifold and the head. now what ?this motor was just rebuilt, can cast be welded? could a stud be welded in the hole (the piece is probably less than a 1/4 inch)

 

[simon]

cast iron can be succesfully welded with a high nickel rod for best results.

However, I'd give brazing a shot.

 

[wallaka]

I agree with Simon. Those are the best ways. That said, I MIG welded a stud into the broken off hole on my exhaust (the very front tab broke off) and it has worked perfectly for over five years now.

 

[CoupeBoy]

If you don't care about looks (and heck, it's at the back of the head, who looks there) you could use a large flat washer and a through bolt to retain the clamp and wait until you have other head work to do before getting it fixed. If you are worried about losing parts you could take them out, OR make a plate out of steel that wraps all the way around the broken parts and has the through bolt hole in it.

-ron

 

[twbowhunter]

thanks guys this helps a lot i thought all i was going to hear was pull the head

 

[Anonymous]

twbohunter where are you located, I have a 250 cast iron exhaust manifold I am about to though away.
Let me know,
Ken

 

[twbowhunter]

thanks for the offer but the tab broke off the head side

 

[Anonymous]

twbowhunter, I'm sorry, I miss read your post.
Ken

 

[mustang6]

I have had a stud welded on before, it worked OK. You just have to make sure it's welded onto what's left of the ear at pretty much the correct angle.