Tweet
Before attempting this job, I'm seeking some advise from other's who've successfully completed the task of removing the plugs from the exhaust manifold to make way for the installation of this manifold pipe assembly. These plugs do not appear rusted or corroded, and the hex heads all look to have sharp edges. My guess is, they haven't bee touched for the past 30 years. Any other relative information related to the complete installation of an original smog system for a '74 big block is also welcomed. Thanks for any and all insights.
-
-
Re: Installation of Manifold Pipe Assemblies (C-3)
Ray-----
Very often, when these things have been long-installed on a running engine, they're going to be a bear to get out. Make your attempts in the following order:
1) See if you can turn them by hand. If you can, you're problem is over. The problem is that all 8 have to be removed and getting all 8 out easily will be "uncommon". But, remove those you can this way;
2) For stubborn ones, apply a penetrating lubricant like GM Heat Riser Lube (now called penetrating lubricant, I think), Kroil or PB Blaster. Let it soak overnight. Try turning out by wrench again. It probably won't work, but it's worth a try;
3) If all else fails, use heat. You don't need to use an acetylene torch. A propane torch with MAPP gas will usually do the trick. Heat the area around the plug, not the plug, itself (although the plug will obviously get quite hot from transferred heat). Try to turn the plugs out while the manifold remains as hot as possible. BE CAREFUL NOT TO BURN YOURSELF.
As far as installation tricks, it's a very straightforward sort of deal after you have the plugs out. No need to use any sealer on the tubing nuts for each of the pipes to the manifold---these are TUBING NUTS; they don't seal at the threads. However, you can put a little high temperature, anti-seize on them to help in case you ever need to remove them.
If you need to clean up the threads in the manifold, be aware that this is an "oddball" size. It's STRAIGHT PIPE THREAD known as 1/4-18 NPSF. You won't find these at your local hardware store. McMaster-Carr has them, though.
Also, don't forget that there are INTERNAL tubes for each port, not just the external tubes. The internal tubes insert through the holes BEFORE you install the external tubes. They easily push-in by hand. They're available from GM under GM #3877484 (these are the original small block tubes which replaced the original big block tubes for SERVICE years ago). The problem is that they GM list for over 21 bucks, EACH. You can get very adequate reproductions from Dr. Rebuild or Paragon for less (but, not cheap).In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Installation of Manifold Pipe Assemblies (C-3)
Ray, I removed the plugs from my 67 SB last year. I put them in in 1972. I removed them while the manifolds were on the car. My Corvette had six sided plugs. I sprayed each plug with a product called Maltby penetrating oil.The address on the can is "Maltby Internation Chemical. Sun Valley Calif." I use a six sided box end wrench after soaking for a week(I was out of town that week.) They all came out, some after a second soaking.I was care full not to strip the heads, I used the six point box end and taped with a medium sized ball peen hammer. Good luck. Dale. E- mail me and I will send you pictures of my completed project. DaleComment
-
And if ALL ELSE FAILS.....as it did to me
...when I popped out the plugs in my manifold, I had to put the left manifold on my buddy's drill press, and CAREFULLY drill holes in the plugs. We kept switching to a larger bit after each hole and it allowed me to use an easy out (USE ONLY PRIMO EASY OUTS, and PRIMO DRILL BITS!!!!) to get the plugs out. That was after buying one of those gallon bottles of PB Blaster, pouring it in a bucket, and soaking the manifolds for a week, turning them over each day. And mine were nothing but dumb brass pipe plugs.....what 35 years will do.Comment
-
Re: Installation of Manifold Pipe Assemblies (C-3)
Joe, Dale, Jeremy...as they say, "To be fore warned is to be fore armed." Thanks for sharing your experiences. Regards, RayComment
-
Re: Installation of Manifold Pipe Assemblies (C-3)
Joe,
I'm pleased to report that as noted in your first recommendation, I was able to remove all eight (8) plugs by hand. As I removed the fourth one from the left bank, I couldn't help but think about your "uncommon" comment as I moved over to the right bank. After removing plug #7, when I felt the first bit of movement on #8...I can't tell you how relieved I felt. Thank you so much for all the information, I trust I'll find it very helpful as I progress through this little smog project of mine.
RayComment
-
Re: Installation of Manifold Pipe Assemblies (C-3)
Ray-----
This may mean that the person that originally installed the plugs was smart enough to apply a little high temperature anti-seize compound to the plugs prior to installation. Otherwise, you got VERY lucky.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: Installation of Manifold Pipe Assemblies (C-3)
Joe,
Becoming friends with the person who restored the car back in '97, I messaged him in advance of my attempt to remove the plugs, asking for assistance should I run into any trouble. Before any reply, I messaged him again, advising on my successful removal results. I commented, "it must have been the anti-seize you used?" Don't know for certain, but I'll be using some on the pipe threads when I install them.
Thanks,
RayComment
-
Re: Installation of Manifold Pipe Assemblies (C-3)
Joe,
The internal tubes you make reference to in your reply message, are they the same item as identified in both catalogs from Dr. Rebuild & Paragon, as Air Injection Tubes? I trust they are, as they reference their mounting installation as inside the manifold, behind the "spark" tubes, and that there are 8 required.
RayComment
-
Re: Installation of Manifold Pipe Assemblies (C-3)
Ray-------
Those are the ones you need. A lot of folks think that these things are not necessary and just install the external tubes without using these. Of course, from an "originality" standpoint no one will ever know the difference. However, from a FUNCTIONALITY standpoint, do you suppose that GM went to the trouble and expense of installing these tubes because they were not necessary?In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: Installation of Manifold Pipe Assemblies (C-3)
Joe,
I'm good on the extension air tubes, confirming their inclusion with the smog equipment that I'm acquiring. I'm falling short in locating a smog pump belt. Dr. Rebuild is out and Quanta does not appear to have any for a 454 with AC. Any recommendations on other sources? I'm trying to stay correct, but it may come down to installating any GM belt. I believe the original GM part number to be #9433611 and I was advised that the belt length is 32"? Any thoughts...
RayComment
-
Re: Installation of Manifold Pipe Assemblies (C-3)
Ray-----
I don't think that belt GM #9433611 is the correct one. That belt is 30-1/2" in length. I think that your application requires a longer belt. The original belt MAY have been GM #9433648. I don't think that it was ever available in SERVICE. For SERVICE, belt GM #9433751 was used. This belt is 15/32" wide and 49-1/2" long. This belt is still available from GM for about 20 buck, list.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: Installation of Manifold Pipe Assemblies (C-3)
Much obliged.Comment
Comment