I found a shop to fix that darn exhaust leak

[AZRickD]

Here is a tutorial on the clock spring and the systems that can go down if the clock spring mechanism fails.

The term "Clock Spring" doesn't really describe the simple mechanism.
It is neither a clock, nor a spring. Just a semetrical overlay of ribbon wires like the petals of a flower that allows the wheel to turn while still being wired to all the buttons.

Seems poetic.

https://www.youcanic.com/article/clock-spring

Video of its removal

 

[BWL]

This is the first I'm hearing that machining the warped manifold may be a better solution than replacement. Interesting.

 

[AZRickD]

The experiences suggest that a new OEM cast iron exhaust manifold will eventually warp again and that the old warped manifolds are pretty-much set and once trued up on a sanding belt, maintain square.

Better than spending $100 or so on replacement cast iron units that will eventually warp.
Better, cost-wise than paying $300-$600 on shorty headers.
Better, cost-wise than paying whatever for long-tube headers and getting a re-tune.

 

[terb]

Rick, do you also ride a Heckler?

 

[Wild one]

This is the first I'm hearing that machining the warped manifold may be a better solution than replacement. Interesting.

It's been a common fix all the way back to the 60's,not just on Hemi's.In alot of cases machining the original manifolds and re-installing with new hardware will be a better fix then new manifolds.As stated new manifolds will warp just like the originals do,while the original manifolds have taken a set,and usually don't warp anymore after they've went through several heat cycles

 

[AZRickD]

Rick, do you also ride a Heckler?

I have the first Santa Cruz Heckler in Arizona.

 

[AZRickD]

The work is all done.

Only one bolt was broken off -- with a goodly amount sticking out. Easy-Peasy extraction.

Right-side exhaust manifold repair:
$200 shop labor.
$67 for the bolts and gasket. ($42 bolts, $25 gasket)
$75 for belt sanding. The machine shop quoted $30 + shop time.

Cruise Control issue was verified with a scan that showed P0581 "Speed Control Switch Open Circuit."
Located that problem to the Clock Spring. OEM Clock Spring is Mopar-Pricey at $409.

Washer pump was replaced. OEM pump at $130.

Transmission serviced for $119. They said it looked pretty good

Results:

No tick-tick-tick
Washer works
Cruise Works
I have a tranny that has some mystery removed.

 

[drwet]

ARP bolts & Remflex gaskets.

I have not been able to find an ARP part number for a manifold bolt kit. Can anyone supply one?

 

[AKAllen]

My dealer here in Caldwell, ID says they do several of these manifold repair jobs a month. They have a local machine shop who takes the warped manifolds and planes them flat and returns them to the dealer. My service guy says they keep a complete refurbished set in their parts inventory just for customers with the broken bolt/leak problem. I have to have mine done and need to get an appointment set up. I'm not sure what damage is being done by letting it go for a while because after the engine warms, the tick is hardly noticable.

 

[RedSRT4Me]

I have not been able to find an ARP part number for a manifold bolt kit. Can anyone supply one?

This is what I used

 

[AZRickD]

A friend has been living with a tic-tic in his 2014 Ram 1500 "for years." His current Odo is 114K miles.

I convinced (maybe shamed) him into getting the work done, assuming it would be something like mine.

He reports back an odd situation.

Leaks on both sides.
Broken Bolts on Driver side: 3
Broken Bolts on Pax side: 1
Somewhat challenging extractions

Exhaust manifold flat as a pancake. Not warped.

Bolted it back together with new hardware.

No tick-tick-tick.

The cost dwarfed mine, though. $750

However, runs smoother. About a 1/2 MPG better gas mileage.

 

[drwet]

This is what I used

View attachment 235187

I have not done this job, but from the research I have done it looks like a couple of the factory bolts have a stud for attaching the exhaust manifold shield. How did you deal with the shield when using the ARP kit?

 

[RedSRT4Me]

I have not done this job, but from the research I have done it looks like a couple of the factory bolts have a stud for attaching the exhaust manifold shield. How did you deal with the shield when using the ARP kit?

I didn't. I had a buddy tackle this one for me. He cursed me for it but didn't give me any details.