Community Forums

jettyjock · 03-12-2013, 07:12 AM

I have a 1997 Dutch Star with a 454 chevy engine with 35k miles.
Just had the tranny replaced and the mechanic noted that the right side exhaust manifold was leaking.
After talking to some friends it seems this was a big problem on the older 454's. Some say you can get the head resurfaced and some say it is a waste on money because it will happen again.
I never noticed it but I am a little hard of hearing.
Is there a way to fix this?

Thanks
Rich

CampDaven · 03-12-2013, 08:05 AM

I had 2 gassers. 1 with a 350, other a 454. An 84 and a 96. Had exhaust manifold gaskets replaced on each. Hot days and hard climbs build too much heat for them, and the air flow in the dog house was not designed as well back then. So, normal, me thinks.

Dave

CampDaven · 03-12-2013, 08:28 AM

FYI, the tranny on my 96 was replaced at about 40K miles. Seems to have been the weak link in those days

RustyJC · 03-12-2013, 08:52 AM

The thermal cycling between extreme heat and ambient temperature conditions leads to dimensional changes in the exhaust manifolds. They either crack or break the exhaust manifold bolts off. The 460 Fords had similar problems as well.

Exhaust headers, because the individual tubes have flexibility to expand and contract, are the normal (but expensive) cure for the manifold leakage/breaking problem.

Rusty

calhyatt · 03-12-2013, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jettyjock

I have a 1997 Dutch Star with a 454 chevy engine with 35k miles.
Just had the tranny replaced and the mechanic noted that the right side exhaust manifold was leaking.
After talking to some friends it seems this was a big problem on the older 454's. Some say you can get the head resurfaced and some say it is a waste on money because it will happen again.
I never noticed it but I am a little hard of hearing.
Is there a way to fix this?

Thanks
Rich

Not enought information on your problem yet. Is the manifold leaking because of a crack in the manifold ? Is it leaking between the manifold and heads? Either will make noise. Both required the removal of the exhaust manifold to properly repair. If it is a gasket, you can replace it, if the manifold is cracked, you can get a new/Used one and replace it. New manifold gasket required in both cases. If the exhaust manifold is cast iron, you cannot really weld it and expect it to hold up. Let me know where you think the leak is coming from.

Mitchyb · 03-12-2013, 07:26 PM

I am planning on ceramic coating mine on my 460 when they go, the coating helps dissipate the heat faster

Rotten-Red · 03-12-2013, 09:39 PM

I had an 85' with a 454. Those stock manifolds were famous for warping. Mine warped and broke one bolt. I had it machined back flat and replaced the bolt. In short time it had warped again and was leaking. Your wasting your time and money trying to do anything with the stock manifolds. I replaced mine with "Ring Manifolds". That's the brand name of a manifold that a company in Michigan was manufacturing back then as a replacement for the 454 because of the problems of warping. They were cast iron like the stock manifolds but were made in 2 pieces with a slip joint in the middle. So 2 cylinders feed into each piece. The slip joint allowed for expansion and contraction and done away with the warping. Unfortunately they are no longer in business.

I think your best option today is to go with a complete "Banks" Exhaust system. They use headers instead of cast iron manifolds. No more warping and leaking problems. Plus they claim better performance.