X-Flow 1600 Inlet Manifold Leak

[geoffd]

Hi all, I have a mildly tuned Mexico spec 1600 X-flow fitted in my 1970 Morgan 4/4. Totally rebuilt 400 miles (and 15 years ago) LOL.
Took it to get the timing and new 32/36 Weber set up on a rolling road and they did the timing, but found an inlet manifold leak, so were unable to set up the carb.
Brought the car home and ordered 3 OEM gaskets from Burton. Super service, delivered next day.
Took the manifold off and cleaned manifold and head spotlessly.
Put a new gasket on with a trace of blue Hylomar around the waterway and torqued down to 18lb/ft.
Warmed the car up and when spraying carb cleaner on the joint it showed up leaks.
Took it all back off, cleaned again and replaced the gasket with another, this time with Hylomar around the waterway and the inlet ports.
It still leaks.
Really stumped now, and hope someone has a suggestion of how to proceed.
Thanks in advance,
Geoff

[HonkyWhiteTrash]

Hi all, I have a mildly tuned Mexico spec 1600 X-flow fitted in my 1970 Morgan 4/4. Totally rebuilt 400 miles (and 15 years ago) LOL.
Took it to get the timing and new 32/36 Weber set up on a rolling road and they did the timing, but found an inlet manifold leak, so were unable to set up the carb.
Brought the car home and ordered 3 OEM gaskets from Burton. Super service, delivered next day.
Took the manifold off and cleaned manifold and head spotlessly.
Put a new gasket on with a trace of blue Hylomar around the waterway and torqued down to 18lb/ft.
Warmed the car up and when spraying carb cleaner on the joint it showed up leaks.
Took it all back off, cleaned again and replaced the gasket with another, this time with Hylomar around the waterway and the inlet ports.
It still leaks.
Really stumped now, and hope someone has a suggestion of how to proceed.
Thanks in advance,
Geoff

Those manifolds can crack - try a replacement. There are a couple of different types depending on which car it originated from (ie it won't be a Morgan part but either cortina, capri, escort etc)- which one is it? A photo would help!

[geoffd]

Thanks for your reply, but I think I've cracked it ( no pun intended)
Stuck two gaskets together with hylomar then covered both outsides and refitted.
Torqued to 18, then waited an hour and re-torqued.
No change in engine idle at all when the joints are sprayed with carb cleaner so it looks like its sealed ok.
The idle is a bit lumpy at 900, but that's the BCF3 cam.
Idle screw is 2 turns in and mixture screw 1 1/2 turns out, so that should be OK.
Will torque it down again tomorrow when the car is cold.
Hopefully, back to the rolling road next week.
Cheers, Geoff

[HonkyWhiteTrash]

Thanks for your reply, but I think I've cracked it ( no pun intended)
Stuck two gaskets together with hylomar then covered both outsides and refitted.
Torqued to 18, then waited an hour and re-torqued.
No change in engine idle at all when the joints are sprayed with carb cleaner so it looks like its sealed ok.
The idle is a bit lumpy at 900, but that's the BCF3 cam.
Idle screw is 2 turns in and mixture screw 1 1/2 turns out, so that should be OK.
Will torque it down again tomorrow when the car is cold.
Hopefully, back to the rolling road next week.
Cheers, Geoff

Glad you've cracked it the right way! Fingers crossed it holds...