Cracked V6 intake...fixable?????

So...apparently when I built up my Dauntless, I over torqued the bushing for a temp gauge sender into the stock sensor location (rear passenger corner) on the stock intake manifold and cracked it. I didn't notice this until I fired the engine and saw coolant streaming out. The crack runs down the mount about 3/8" perpendicular to the threads.

Can this be welded, or am I now looking for a new intake?

 

Not welded, but I think brazing should work.

 

Would welding add too much heat and further progress the damage?
I was thinking of turning the heat way down on my welder and laying wet rags around the area to keep the heat in check.

 

I would try and find another mainfold. If its a cast iron manifold I have heard its tricky to weld. I had a welding shop tell me that they could weld a block for me but they didnt know how it last because it was cast iron.

 

using a mig welder with the intake submersed in a vat of water positioned so that only the area to be welded is above the water (difficult yes) but this will allow you to get good penatration without warping the manifold. I've seen it done. BUT if a replacement is redily available I'd go that direction and store the cracked one just incase and repair it as a project for a spare.. eventually they won't be as prevalant.

 

Take it to a pro welder and get a quote; I expect you'll find it cheaper to buy another manifold.

 

Crap...so close to getting this beast back on the road...

Thanks for all of the insight. I guess I'll scroll down to the WTB section.

 

To weld cast iron the manifold would have to be pre-heated before welding.