Cracked Exhaust Cover- A World of Hurt?

[zonaman]

Hi there. I'm hoping some you more experienced fellows can advise me. I have a 1967 T hunderbolt 500 with a cracked ehxaust cover(see photo) . I tried cleaning up the area along the crack and applying some JB Weld a while back but it just cracked through this. The bolts look to be a bit corroded (I don't know if this unit whad salt water exposure in its past- its used in fresh water now). I'm sure that this is not good though I must admit that once I get it started (hard strating but that's another thread- I guess) it seems to run well. What advice can you offer on removing it and minimizing the likelyhood of breaking off a bolt or two. Should I anticipate difficulty in locating replacment parts? What might have caused the crack that I might look to to prevent a repeat occurance?

Thank you.

 

[Maxz695]

Re: Cracked Exhaust Cover- A World of Hurt?

Repacing the cover and not repairing it again is a good idea. carefully work the screws out then in out then in backing them out a bit at a time and 90% of the time you,ll get them out without breaking them. Take your time to much force causes heat which in turn will make the bolt soft and it will snap. If you feel the bolt move at first even a little bit I would sugest going back in and out a few times before trying to unscrew it the rest of the way. The corrosion should disipate as this step is being done. Check the baffle plate and the inside of the exhaust port for corrosion and water damage esspecially on the lower cylinder. Any sign of pitting is not good depending how much water had gotten into the block as a result of a leak. Just a preventitve suggestion. Hopefully all looks goad and you can reassemble it all torquing it to the proper force. Some used parts on ebay are ok I got both those plates and the rear cover plate with shipping for 46.00. They where realy nice and clean. Good luck