Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-27-2015, 11:19 AM   #1
3 Rivet Member
 
1997 31' Land Yacht
Mahone Bay , Nova Scotia
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 116
Images: 1
Manifold 454 engine

Has anyone had trouble with cracked manifolds? We had a cracked manifold, replaced it, but it cracked again within a year and replaced it again, fortunately the second time was under warranty.
We are now in Niagara Falls, ON and went to a garage with another problem, and were told that there are special manifolds for RVs with this engine; however they have no idea where to get one.
Does anyone know of a source for this in case it happens again?
Thanks.
wheelygoode is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2015, 12:54 PM   #2
jm2
Rivet Master
 
jm2's Avatar
 
2002 25' Safari
1977 20' Argosy 20
northern valley , new jersey
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 532
hmm, some ideas here - http://www.airforums.com/forums/f159...eng-35888.html
__________________
Joseph & Gabrielle

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci.

WBCCI 2087 - AIR 3144 - TAC-NJ2

https://defendwally.org/
jm2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2015, 01:24 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia , Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
On my old Airstream 310 with a 454 (1983) I had mine replaced with Thorley (spelling?) RV headers. You might try googling that name. I believe they are still in business.
idroba is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2015, 01:24 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
J. Morgan's Avatar
 
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton , Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
Images: 11
Manifold 454 engine

454 manifolds cracking are common, especially on pre 1978 engines.

It is said that a contributing factor is exhaust systems that are too rigid.

I think this assessment is at least partially true.

Brevi tempore!
__________________
The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......

J. Morgan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2015, 02:15 PM   #5
Rivet Loser
 
Punch's Avatar
 
La Ronge , Saskatchewan
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 328
No doubt the only real solution is headers.

If sticking with manifolds (I have) then you should cut through the webbing of the manifold between each port. You are still going to run quite a risk of your studs popping, but that's less of an expense than the manifolds cracking...... usually. I have read somewhere that using bolts rather than studs and nuts to secure the manifold eliminates problems, but I cannot vouch for that.

I believe that the "special manifolds" your mechanic is talking about would be headers. Google RV 454 headers, or wait for a few tips here. I really don't think a person needs to buy the most expensive big name ones though.

Here's a Frinstance, since you say you have a 1997:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/he...ss-a-motorhome

Summit Racing have everything from these up to a thousand bucks or so for big name ones.

Note: if you get headers, make sure you get full length ones that will mate with your existing exhaust system without major modification. Avoid "shorty" headers.
__________________
Bob
1989 345LE
Punch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2015, 02:58 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
J. Morgan's Avatar
 
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton , Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
Images: 11
Manifold 454 engine

The only suck about headers is that some headers have an affinity to cause the header bolts to back out, and/or for the gaskets to blow out....

Copper gaskets help a lot and are worth the few extra bucks.

Fwiw, regarding shortys and long tubes, I always preferred mid length headers. Long tubes often want to drag, probably not an issue in an RV though.

Brevi tempore!
__________________
The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......

J. Morgan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2015, 02:29 PM   #7
3 Rivet Member
 
1997 31' Land Yacht
Mahone Bay , Nova Scotia
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 116
Images: 1
Thank you! The second time the garage installed a copper gasket, and we have a spare since they come in pairs. Never thought of doubling them up. I will look up the headers I case this happens again.
Great to have so many helpful folks on the forum.
wheelygoode is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
454 engine questions Curtis-79MH Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 15 03-24-2022 01:44 PM
Late 454 vs early 454 & 400 vs 4L80E gbell Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 33 07-01-2017 05:59 AM
Manifold problems 1998 land yacht - 454 eng peck1937 Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 6 09-16-2007 11:32 PM
Question on 454 MH Engine RonJudi Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 7 01-20-2004 10:54 AM
Argosy 454 engine repair in Amarillo TX saxonsraven General Motorhome Topics 5 08-01-2003 05:08 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:32 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.