9 replies to this topic

[andyt]

What have others done to get over the step that exist between the two flanges of these manifolds ( mg alloy and maniflow lcb), I have the thick washers that were originally fitted to my mg metro engine but it really needs a stepped washer?

 

Andy. 

[sledgehammer]

Make a stepped washer would be the easiest way

 

I wouldn't be tempted to grind the manifold down

Edited by sledgehammer, 01 April 2018 - 09:26 PM.

[Midas Mk1]

Home made stepped washers are the norm, but what I've done is planed down the inlet to match the lcb flange, then use MPi manifold nuts with the floating washer on.

[Mervyn]

Below is the info from minispares website. I use option 1.

Option 1 - The stepped washer. Using the standard very thick manifold washers, file one half of the washer down by the amount the manifold is stepped using the manifold stud centerline for locating the stepped 'edge'. When fitted, obviously the thick half of the washer needs to but up against the thinner manifold flanges.

Option 2 - Again using the very thick standard manifold washers as a basis, use a reasonably thick round file to file a groove across the washer, passing straight through the manifold stud hole. The stud hole should be drilled slightly over size (8.5mm) and the groove needs to be a little wider than the stud hole diameter. When fitted, the groove needs to sit over the vertical gap between the manifold flanges, When the nut is done up, the nut will tilt itself to allow for flange thickness differences.

Option 3 - Drill the stud hole out slightly oversize as above, then run two beads of weld parallel to each other, either side of the stud hole and a little ways away from it. This works similarly to option 2.

Option 4 - Speedy super-bodge. Get some 5/16-inch standard flat washers. Cut a few in half, through the centre of hole, to give several half-moon shaped washers. Glue one half to one side of a whole washer with super glue or RTV silicone. Should be aligned as per option 1. Short fix only - get them replaced as soon as possible with something a little more permanent.
Option 5 - Angle iron fix. You need some small angle iron, cut into 1-inch pieces. Drill a 8.5mm hole through the centre of each so the hole goes through the point of the angle. Fit them with the pointy bit facing the retaining nut and the gap down the middle straddling the gap in the flanges. Doing the nut up causes the angle iron to tilt into position, the angle iron edges pressing on the flanges. The other issue is that of throttle cable abutment brackets. The plethora of alternative available and low-cost manufacturing methods used meant that MSC could not possibly cater for all types. In particular the variation of bracketry used on the HIF range of carbs. Where such a carb is used along with it's relevant bracket, it may be necessary to cut a wide-angled 'V' section out of the bracket to get clearance. This in no way affects the performance of the bracket. The original type thick carb to manifold spacer must also be used.

[racingbob]

i have slid down pop rivets as a spacer before was fine

[dyshipfakta]

I cut washers in half and just slid them in behind the fat washer to level it out. Worked fine but will obviously disappear if I undo the bolt

[Allrounder]

Half washer method. Measure the thickness difference, 2 washers of said difference. Cut in half and tack/weld onto new exhaust manifold. Also the thicker/standard washer for the outer studs I taper slightly to clear the welds to allow a flush fit.

[skoughi]

Add weld to whatever one is thinnest and grind/file to get similar flange thickness.

[Cooperman]

It is often the same with some LCB manifolds and the twin SU alloy inlet manifolds.

 

The answer is stepped washers. You can easily make them yourself with a standard thick washer and a file. Measure the difference and file the step to that dimension +/- a small amount, maybe within 10 thou.

[panky]

Some may think it's a bodge but after reading a thread from a guy who races Morris Minors I decided to try his method of using a double thickness of gasket where the LCB flange was thinner than the inlet manifold. Dead easy to do and it's been on there for a few thousand miles now without a hint of a leak.