I recently removed my smog pump, put on the new longer belt, and proceeded to take the AIR crap off. Well, first off, that was a nightmare in itself trying to break those tubes loose off of the manifolds. Finally I finished that and next I installed 1/4" brass pipe plugs into those gaping holes in the manifolds. With quite a bit of effort I got them all filled. However, when I was on my way to work I noticed smoke blowing out of the cowl of my hood. So I popped the hood with the car still running and sure enough, smoke was blowing right out of those holes that were supposed to be filled. Now here is my question... if I can't tighten the plugs anymore, will it harm the engine if it takes me a few weeks to get headers to replace the garbage stock manifolds?
Well, thanks for taking the time to read this, hopefully someone will be able to give me some advice.

 

I would do you best at pluggin those holes if you are getting headers.. you don't want to be blowing really hot exhaust gases under your hood.. not a good idea.. The only thing I can think of right now is the air tubes that go to the manifolds have one way valves to stop the exhaust from coming out.. have you removed these? If so you may want to put them back on.. and see what happens then..

 

If you noticed when you removed the lines going into the manifolds, they're flare fittings. I can already tell you that you didn't use flare plugs.

You have to use flare plugs. They're not pipe plugs, they're flare plugs for 1/4" pipe. Go get them and you'll be much happier.

 

I searched land and sea to find those flares, finally when I did get a hold of a couple at Lowe's, they were way too small for the holes. That's when I decided to go with the non-flares, what a mistake. I tried looking at hardware stores and at plumbing stores. As far as getting the old nonflares out, that will probably be just about impossible at this point. I think I am just gonna go ahead and order some Hedman Hedders, due to my budget restrictions.. Does anyone know the best ones to buy (ie part #) that include the y-pipe and will work best with my 1991 Formula 305 TBI? Thanks for everyones' help..

 

If you're not using your AIR system I'd go with part# (this is from Jeg's) 500-68470 headers and 500-17470 Y-pipe. I don't see mention of an O2 bung, so if you need it, you may have to add it. Hope this is what you're looking for.

 

I don't understand what this 02 bung is?? what do i do with it?????THANKS

 

Well, that explains why I had such a hard time finding plugs to fit & when I did (at a plumbing store), they only fit good enough to stay in. I haven't noted any problems & none have fallen out yet!

 

I guess I could have been a little clearer. The oxygen sensor bung is a threaded port which may or may not already be welded into the headers I referred to earlier. If you are using and want to retain your oxygen sensor, you will need it. I believe most auto parts stores should carry it. Sorry for the confusion...

 

I've removed one of my air tubes from the manifold and i'm halfway through removing the second one. For those who have installed the flare plugs, where did you get them & how much were they? Thanks!

 

Anybody?

 

i work at a hardware store and flare plugs are extremly common.i dont know why everyone is having such a hard time finding them. every hardware store should have them. in most states it is code that you use flare fittings for any type of gas application(propane, natural gas, ets)if the store you are at does not have these then i would never go back to that store for anything.btw i think that our plugs are about $1 a piece give or take a little.

 

Sounds good....thanks!