Intake Manifold Refinishing

[atlantisvip]

My manifold got bubbly and crusty in some parts after the fire. Anyone ever refinish their intake? What procedure? What to use?

[silvabmdub]

post pics so we can see what we are dealing with here...

[joey79]

Being plastic, if the manifold got bubbly and crusty from fire damage, it's probably weakened at the very least. If it was me, I'd replace it.

[UnderCoverGuy11]

if it bubbled on the inside, now you got some messy air flow, i would replace it as well. They're fairly cheap anyway

[atlantisvip]

post pics so we can see what we are dealing with here...

Only the outside is slightly burned and bubbly. Can I just sand it and use high temp paint? Some are already getting off the subject here. Only asking how to refinish if you have done it before or know how its done. Thanks!:)


Being plastic, if the manifold got bubbly and crusty from fire damage, it's probably weakened at the very least. If it was me, I'd replace it.

Weakened? For what? Air flows through it.. How is the outside weakened and affects the flow??

[joey79]

You probably wouldn't need high temp paint. The intake manifold doesn't get very hot. Something make specifically for plastics, like Krylon Fusion, would probably be fine.

[atlantisvip]

You probably wouldn't need high temp paint. The intake manifold doesn't get very hot. Something make specifically for plastics, like Krylon Fusion, would probably be fine.

There you go. Thanks for lending me your brain there, I tend to blank out lately. Plastic paint sounds like exactly what to use.

This is where I am right now.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b295/atlantisvip/Forums/2101fe78.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b295/atlantisvip/Forums/754a33ff.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b295/atlantisvip/Forums/f8426b74.jpg

[keeslinger31]

Mine has similar damage to the underside from my fire, Im curious as to what you use, there was another thread covering the heat thermal effects.

[zarbat007]

I would change it. Doesn't look good form the pics.

[keeslinger31]

Is yours smooth inside still?:confused

[atlantisvip]

Inside has no damage. smooth.

[keeslinger31]

Alright i say sand it and paint it, I would use high temp my manifold gets hot...

[atlantisvip]

Any advice on grits to use?

[keeslinger31]

idk 300 is pretty abrasive and then just step it down :dunno

[TylerBoland]

You only want to scuff the plastic, using an aggressive grit will leave scratches in the finish. I used 400 grit very lightly before painting my moldings and it turned out great.

[atlantisvip]

Cool thanks. I forgot I plan on doing the moldings for the first time as well so thanks for the tip.

I was wondering if I should just fill in all the bubbly melted parts with spray rubber coating and give it some high heat enamel. I know the rubber will always soften and wrinkle the enamel but what if there is any hairline cracking I can't feel on the inside.. ? As opposed to most saying that removing and replacing the intake is a cake walk I beg to differ. Its always a fuckin bitch pulling that thing off. Like the studs that it aligns with get warped and makes pulling that thing off no fun.

This is where I'm at a couple hours in. Done by hand so my fingers are jacked up. I'll continue tonight. She looks like the ugly crater face girl from 7th grade but at least the crust is going away.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b295/atlantisvip/Mobile%20Uploads/031020123577.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b295/atlantisvip/Mobile%20Uploads/031020123578.jpg

This is where I'm at a couple hours in. Done by hand so my fingers are jacked up. I'll continue tonight. She looks like the ugly crater face girl from 7th grade but at least the crust is going away.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b295/atlantisvip/Mobile%20Uploads/031020123577.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b295/atlantisvip/Mobile%20Uploads/031020123578.jpg

[atlantisvip]

Meh .. Got tired of sanding that thing. Better than it was and its under the hood. Case closed.

Tried to get a better pic in the bathroom cause its cloudy and rainy but it looks crappy too. You get the idea.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b295/atlantisvip/Mobile%20Uploads/031120123585.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b295/atlantisvip/Mobile%20Uploads/031120123586.jpg

[DJCarbine]

I would be concerned about the integrity of the plastic, the manifold is under heavy vacuum on deceleration

An impoding manifold would be an interesting but annoying thing to have happen lol

Try filling in the pitting spots with bondo and smooth it out with sandpaper... it would most likely look brand new

[atlantisvip]

It will be fine. I don't think the throttle body closes tight enough to cause that type of pressure build up. If the air were filled with sand and dirt then maybe I would beleive that it can wear the plastic down. Seriously doubt it. Runners are not paper thin.