Corroded top of exhaust manifold - repair or replace?

[Davidhoy]

This is the exhaust manifold on my Westerbeke 82B. There was some corrosion around the coolant pressure cap, and it has eaten through the metal around the pressure relief port. The port was blocked, and when I cleared it I found this damage. I can either replace the manifold for around $500, or try to repair with something like JB Weld. Question is, repair or replace? If repair, what is the best stuff for such a job?

Sorry for the upside down photo, stupid iOS cannot get orientation correct!

Thanks!

[Orion Jim]

JB Weld can be very effective. I'd give it a try before dropping 500 bucks on a new manifold.

[Wotname]

Just speculating aloud

Presumably it is cast iron, can you cut the cap fitting off, weld a short riser pipe and then weld the cap fitting (existing or new) to the riser pipe.

[jimbunyard]

Oftentimes the filler neck is glued or soldered in place. a competent radiator shop, it you have one nearby, should be able to replace it. If a shop is not available, it should not be above a handypersons ability to affect a repair themselves, using either glue or solder...


About 10.00, at https://www.fillernecksupply.com/bra...-o-d-sae-j164/ , or fine autoparts stores everywhere...

[Scrimshaw4]

If you've done work on your West'y before you know that in many instances they modify parts so the are unique to them. That said make sure you carefully measure the throat size before you order a replacement. The other consideration is number of hours on your engine / corrosion / peace of mind vs. $500 when looking at repair vs replace. JMHO

[Madehn]

i had a 50 year old tractor that had the same type of thing happen- was able to have it soldered/brazed and it has been working fine for the last 10 years. dont spend the 500 - play with it first- also had a Suzuki water cooled motorcycle engine that had a similar problem- JB Weld held for 60k miles- outlasted the engine in the old water buffalo!

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

JB Weld can be very effective. I'd give it a try before dropping 500 bucks on a new manifold.

JB may get you by until you can get it repaired. The manifold is aluminum. You may also find corrosion and erosion on the bottom as well. I welded mine in and remachined

[gulfcoastsailor]

IMO - if it is original equipment, R&R.

[SeaSon]

I had a similar but different failure on my aluminum expansion tank. JB Weld worked fantastic and by using water on my hand, I was able to smooth and work beautifully. Still going strong.