Welding Cast Iron?

[Bean]

My manifold is cracked around number 4 cylinder branch, I'm sure it is cast iron.

The crack is on the top of the manifold and I reckon could be welded without taking it off maybe if extreme care is taken.

Is is possible to weld cast iron? I'm told it is very difficult, prone to complications?

[mike_s14]

Welding cast iron is no problem providing you have the right rods
But why not go for a new manifold:cool: I saw some the other week at DP motorsport, they looked well sexy..

[jibber]

beaner, as allready said it can be done, you have to use bi metal rods, but, you would be wiser to remove manifold as you have too heat it up in the oven first then weld it and then cool it down gradually in the oven again, failure to follow this guideline may result in further cracks or worsening the one you have. so there!!!!:D ;) :D

[Actual_Ben_Taylor]

Agree with Jibber, you have to heat cast iron to 900 degrees for a good weld, but it can be done

[Bean]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll just have to find a spare weekend to fit the new on then! :)

I might as well get the old one repaired when it's off, perhaps sell it if anyone's interested?

I'll obviously be using new gaskets when fitting the spare manifold, is there anything I can do to the spare in the meantime to stop that cracking in the same place?

Anything I can do to help/uprate it? ;) DAMN, I just can't help myself!!! :eek: :D

[jibber]

you could try getting it shot peened, and then ceramic coated as i believe this is supposed to reduce surface stresses and the like!!

[Bean]

Originally posted by jibber
you could try getting it shot peened, and then ceramic coated as i believe this is supposed to reduce surface stresses and the like!!

Could be worth a try I guess?

Looks like I'll be doing the swap this weekend now!!! :mad: I checked the manifold last night and the crack is growing! :(

Could I use a bit of eposy putty as a temporary measure until the weekend? :confused:

[jibber]

i wpouldnt risk it beaner, very high temps on the manifold!