430 surge tank

[orwin]

Hello,

I'm finally putting my 430 back together after years. Runs great but I can't seem to get the surge tank to seal at the thermostat housing. 3 tries with various sealers. Most recently I filled the pits on the surge tank flange with JB Weld and sanded the surface flat. Then used "The Right Stuff" which I have used everywhere else with good success - new FelPro gasket. Now leaking worse than ever, even with no pressure.

I can buy a (new?) surge tank from TBirdHQ for $200, but it may have the same problem.

Should be simple, but I'm at my wits end with this - any ideas?

Thanks,

John

[jopizz]

My suggestion is to put a straight edge across both the tank and intake flanges. Obviously one or the other is not flat.

John

[orwin]

I have done this, using a small machinist square (very carefully), under magnification. Looked 100% ok.

[simplyconnected]

Make sure your flange doesn't have a crack. It happened to me on my Y-Block. The housing neck was cast iron and I couldn't find the leak for the longest time. Tried a different one and it's been great ever since.

I realize your flange is permanently attached but check it out. - Dave

[orwin]

Surge tank - success

Hi all, that flange wasn't flat enough. I bought a small Ryobi belt/disk sander and brought it down to perfectly flat with no pitting. Sealed up fine with Permatex blue sealer!

Thanks,

John