QuestionQUESTION: Hi Vern I have a 1974 Lincoln Continental Towncar. I have a exhaust manifold leak and a small crack in manifold. I have had the problem for quite awhile.My question is some one told me driving the car this way will hurt the valves someone else told me it wont hurt nothing. Which is correct? When I do get it fixed can the manifold be repaired or do I have to find a manifold? She has a 460,But I figure you already know that. Thank You so much Vern for your knowledge and your time Lynn
ANSWER: Hi Lynn:
A leak in the intake manifold will cause problems, including running
very poorly and causing carbon build-up on the valves.
However, a leak in the exhaust manifold will cause some
lost of power.
You might be able to patch it using J-B Weld 8265-S Cold Weld.
This is a high-temperature, metal filled epoxy, the mechanic's
equivalent of duct tape. See web site below
http://www.jbweld.net/
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QUESTION: I am relived to know the exhaust manifold leak wont hurt my motor.I was wondering APROX how much it would cost to replace the gaskets on the exhaust manifold? If you think using the copper gaskets are better? and do I use the JB weld on the manifold BEFORE or AFTER the gaskets are changed? And Iam the same one who asked about the gas leak under the carb. Being I only have enough money to fix one problem right now. Which should I fix first? I was scared to death the exhaust manifold gasket leak would hurt the motor, until you said it would not. So should I get the carb fixed first? I appreciate your knowledge and time SO much
ANSWER: Yes, I would get the carb fixed first and purchase the epoxy and plug
the manifold yourself. At some point you can replace the manifold and gaskets
together. The epoxy should plug the gasket as well if the gap isn't to wide.
Did it break or the gasket just wear out?
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QUESTION: It just wore out. I guess after 35 yeas stuff just starts wearing out.I am very attached to the car and being a woman I don't know much.Is there other things I should do to the car to help her stick around longer? I know about the oil change. Answer when you get time Vern no hurry. You have already been a HUGE help.Men have lied to be before about stuff on my car before for different reasons. So your help is very valuable to me!! Have a wonderful day. Lynn
AnswerHi Lynn:
I know what you mean...Old car are very temperamental. The best thing you can to is keep the fluids clean, typically as follows.
1. Engine Oil (every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first)
2. Transmission Fluid (every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first)
3. Radiator Anti-Freeze (every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first)
4. Brake Fluid (every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first)
5. Power Steering Fluid (every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first)
6. Differential oil/grease (every 60,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first)
The above are all of your lubricants...
Keep in mind, parts still fail on old cars, so the things to watch out for are...
1. Plugs, Point, Distributor (every 30,000 or 2 years - this depends on how she drives)
2. Timing Belt/Chain (It varies with age/mileage, but 60,000 to 100,000 miles)
3. Water Pump (Should be replace with Timing Belt.
4. Fuel Pump (It varies with age/mileage, but 60,000 to 100,000 miles usually)
You should get warning signs these parts are going bad, so pay close attention
to how she runs every time you drive her.
Best Regards,
Rolls Royce, Excalibur, Mercedes-Benz Owner
http://www.classytransportation.com/
