Barr manifold surface finish

[John4003]

Just took my manifold off my 3.0 and cleaned the gasket and paint off the mounting surface. I used a good quality straight edge to check for flatness and from side to side, it's good but lengthwise, I can see a little light under the straightedge which makes me think it has a small dip in the middle. Is this okay or should I buy a new manifold? It's a Barr and only about three years old.

 

[bondo]

Ayuh,..... You can flatten it with a belt sander, or flat file,....

 

[John4003]

Ayuh,..... You can flatten it with a belt sander, or flat file,....

I have been working on it and the surface looks good. It's the amount of curvature I see end to end. Just a very small amount of light under the straight edge.

 

[sandkicker]

As Bondo said.... Belt sander... or per Mercruiser Manual, a bastard mill file (flat file).. and elbow grease.

 

[John4003]

As Bondo said.... Belt sander... or per Mercruiser Manual, a bastard mill file (flat file).. and elbow grease.

Which I have done and it looks really clean and smooth. However, laying a straight edge along the length of it. I can see a small amount of light underneath in the middle. This is what has me concerned and wondering if maybe I am being too picky?

 

[louc]

Use feeler gauges to see what fits between the straight edge and the sealing surface. Should be less than .003"

 

[John4003]

Use feeler gauges to see what fits between the straight edge and the sealing surface. Should be less than .003"

That's the answer I've been looking for!