Manifold..or

[ALANSD]

I have burnt my right front spark plug wire thru twice in recent trips.This past trip took 350 miles to fry thru an Accel wire. This plug is the only one that is missing a heat shield so that seems likely to be the cause, although his never happened before in three years of travel. I also notice a slight ticking which I think might be a manifold or gasket leak,, the manifold was replaced twenty thousand miles or so ago, and looks to be in good shape..but it could have a small leak right below the plug boot.
Any ideas on the nest way to tell what is up with this? I would replace the manifolds with headers, but the expense is not high on my list right now.
I made it home no problem on this trip using a wrap of aluminum tape over the plug boot, loosely wrapped about four times...got us 400 miles with no issues.

[thenewkid64]

If the manifold is leakingyou could loosen the manifold and add an exaust gasket to help fill the gap. The other option would be to be sure the bolts are free, but tight. Start the engine to heat the manifolds then get in there and tighten the bolts.

[TomW]

I had a similar leak problem with the RH manifold on my 454 which a new gasket solved for a reasonable amount of time. Although I thought I was using a good gasket (Felpro), 59toaster, in a different post, allowed that Felpro makes different "flavors" of good.

If you go the gasket route, make sure you get a good one.

BTW, is it possible to install a new plug heat shield?

Tom

[74Argosy24MH]

IF you have a tick and are burning boots you doubtless have a leak. Copper gaskets are better for heat transfer and sealing. Make sure your studs are in good shape. Age, rust, several times of the nuts going on and off will wear the threads. Put a straight edge along the flange of the manifold and see if runner(s) are warped or twisted. Use new good hardware and antisieze on the studs. Torque is 20 ft. lbs., it is easy to over tighten.

John

[john hd]

alan

can you make a copy of the other side heat shield out of galvanized flashing? that or head off for a visit to the boneyard for one.

if would be a perfect time to make one if you have the manifold off for new gaskets!

john

[ALANSD]

Thanks, I will check the manifold and try to pull it when I get some warmer weather.
The heat shield might be able to be copied when I pull off the others, I might try to do that with some galv metal from hd if that would work.