Are exhaust manifolds weldable?

So... my brother and I started digging into the Midget tonight to find a missing exhaust header. No biggie-- the spare engine has one. Unfortunately, the spare manifold is cracked in several spots where it mounts to the the engine. The cracks are nothing huge, but it is definitely broken into several pieces. Anyway, are the exhaust manifolds weldable? ...or should I start searching eBay and the trade forum?

Thanks!

Start searching. Cast iron is not a trivial one to weld.
Pete

After doing a little searching for cast iron welding tips (I was pretty sure the manifold was made with cast iron) thats kinda what I found. I guess I'll be doing some searching for a new exhaust then...


Thanks!

You could take it to a pro welding shop. They should be able to weld it.

What year is the car? I listed one for a 1275 in the trader section not too long ago. It's still available.

http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?42,1231255,1231255#msg-1231255

Karl,

Its a '66 with the 1098. Will the 1275 manifold fit the 1098?


Thanks!

It'll fit, but uses a different exhaust head pipe (flange type vs. the earlier clamp type). I'm almost certain I've got one for a 1098 too. Take your pick.

I saw that in the Moss book and wasn't sure what it meant. Whats the difference between flange and clamp types? Yes, I really am a noob.

Iron is weldable, but takes a lot of practice to get right. The iron must be heated before being welded and maintained. When a bead is put down it must be peened in between after pass. Once the welding is finished, it needs to be covered with a blanket to cool slowly. A welding shop wouldn't charge much to do it. I would look on ebay or call Tom at British Miles also.

Seth,

Here is a photo of an early clamp type manifold (from a bugeye - a little smaller diameter than yours):

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Austin-Healey-Frogeye-Sprite-MG-Midget-Exhaust-Manifold_W0QQitemZ170406234522QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item27ad00c99a

and here is what the clamps look like:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/A-H-Sprite-MG-Midget-New-Exhaust-Manifold-Clamps_W0QQitemZ350277618063QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item518e2c498f

The exhaust head pipe is flared and fits over the end of the manifold, and is held in place with the clamp.

Here's what the flange type manifolds look like:

http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?42,1231255,1231255#msg-1231255

The flange type manifold is more secure than the clamp type, but the studs tend to get rusty and break off (like on the manifold I've got for sale) and need to be replaced with bolts.

Gotcha. Thanks for the explanation. I searched online and couldn't find anything that comprehensive. So it really doesn't matter which one I choose since they'll both fit. ...and with yours, the studs will just need to be drilled out of the flange and bolts will just be installed, right?

Nice... thanks again for your help.

Unsure if do you any good. Anyone of these 3 look right? I don't know what years they came off of. Maurice
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/mgman75/temp%20photos/100_6507.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/mgman75/temp%20photos/100_6506.jpg

Seth, we got our SUs off this weekend, and found that our exhaust manifold had been brazed also, so it must be a fairly common issue, and if you find a competent person to weld, depending on how bad its damaged, it could be repaired. As a side note, watch the intake too!! ours was found to have a broken ear... and now ... we are searching.

Also watch the sheet metal shield between carbs and intake. They will crack. My 74 had one and couldn't find one at that time. So made out of stainless steel. Maurice