Flattening A Warped Intake Manifold.

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

This $400 mini lathe has been fantastic, I have machined nuts, bolts, spacers, shims, a flux core nozzle, chainsaw seal sleeve, punches, and now I’m facing off a warped intake manifold.



I did a video on the lathe if you’re interested:

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

$400 on a mini lathe- or $4 on some scrap glass sheet, some water and a sheet of wet and dry paper?
People have been using the latter for flattening mating surfaces since near the dark ages- if it aint broke, dont try to fix it.

 

[buzz sawyer]

$400 on a mini lathe- or $4 on some scrap glass sheet, some water and a sheet of wet and dry paper?
People have been using the latter for flattening mating surfaces since near the dark ages- if it aint broke, dont try to fix it.

I used to fix Holley Carbs the same way. The metering/power valve body would warp with heat and the engine would fall flat on sudden acceleration. Flatten it out cured them. Some were so bad I had to start with a large file. I do the same on all my carbs and intakes now.

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

Back to square, it wasn’t far out, but enough to cause a fuel starvation issue when the fuel had to climb vertically - the impulse drilling wasn’t sealing fully. I took 0.5mm off and that’s back to true. It was satisfying using a machine to get it truly square.

 

[SteveSr]

Back to square, it wasn’t far out, but enough to cause a fuel starvation issue when the fuel had to climb vertically - the impulse drilling wasn’t sealing fully. I took 0.5mm off and that’s back to true. It was satisfying using a machine to get it truly square.
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Isn't that what the gasket is for?

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

I measured this gasket which was 0.5mm. Engine would run; but when held vertically, it would die out. There was not a full seal made at the impulse. It could manage when the fuel supply didn’t have to act against gravity. When it did it would lean out.

 

[Pioneer]

I probably would have used glass and Emery cloth as well. However don't knock the usefulness of a small lathe, I've owned a unimat for years and lost track of how many times I've done small jobs with it