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b
Ok fellas, here's the latest on the project.
I pulled the thing apart yesterday, and yes the exhaust port #2 gasket was almost completely blown out. Not easy getting all that stuff off around the A/C compressor....those heater hoses, brackets and compressor are mighty tough to align again while connected.
So, I've elected to put it back the way the General did it, just cleaned this up and back on with no gasket...why do they put them in the rebuild kits anyway?
A test ride was good, so we're out of the woods on this problem. I think I'll yank the left side off today and do the same thing.....I figure they'll blow someday soon and I'll be cussin' again. The left side looks a lot easier.
I also replaced the PCV valve, the buzzin' noises are gone from that thing too....so she's alot quieter now..
Bruce
Bruce
72 Coupe L48 4sp
Custom Blue/Silver/Pearl 
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i'd listen to joel.
he know his stuff.but your call
1979 Corvette
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Whatever it takes, right? 
I think the main reason the gaskets burn/blow out is they just never get torqued right to start with. The gaskets will compress, and if the bolts are not re-tightened after a few heat cycles, they wind up being a little loose, and that gives the exhaust a way to burn them thru.
You'll find that most exhaust manifolds had "French-Locks" on the outer pair of bolts on each end...wonder why?
Glad you got it fixed!!
I think the main reason the gaskets burn/blow out is they just never get torqued right to start with. The gaskets will compress, and if the bolts are not re-tightened after a few heat cycles, they wind up being a little loose, and that gives the exhaust a way to burn them thru.
You'll find that most exhaust manifolds had "French-Locks" on the outer pair of bolts on each end...wonder why?
Glad you got it fixed!!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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b
Yep, your absolutely right Joel.
The weight of the compressor and all the related bracketry on those front manifold bolts squashes the life out of the gasket, then it's not tight anymore and it starts failing. Not to mention all the vibration from running the A/C. The support bracket to the water pump was broken off when I took the engine down for the resto.
Just to be safe, I yanked the left side out yesterday, took about an hour, much easier than the right....
.
.I'll recheck them after a few drives to be sure they are still tight. If not. I'll look for the french locks to put them back on.
Bruce
72 Coupe L48 4sp
Custom Blue/Silver/Pearl
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in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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