Topic: catastrophic failure of aluminum intake manifold--


pfrancis    -- 08-23-2026 @ 6:56 PM
  Hello Members and Guests,
I just had the front of my intake manifold which holds the generator, break off. The generator went wild and sliced a 4" gash in the hood and totaled the radiator. It looks to me like a stress fracture in the aluminum manifold casting. I am wondering if anyone out there might know if there is any history of this event ever happening to aluminum manifolds. Also, I am looking for a new manifold. I am hoping, that with all the conversions to two and three carb manifolds, there are a bunch of originals around. Any any leads would be appreiated. Also, any information on new radiators woujld be helpful.

Thank you,
Perry Francis


pfrancis    -- 08-23-2026 @ 7:02 PM
  Sorry about that-it is a 1935 ford. Also sorry about the dis-oriented picture.


ford38v8    -- 08-23-2026 @ 8:55 PM
  I don’t have a manifold for you. That’s the bad news. The good news is that your comprehensive insurance will cover the damage done by the manifold, but not the manifold itself. You’ve surely got more damage than you think, including the fan, which is now bent, never to be trusted again.
Come to think of it, if a fan blade is now missing, the fan was the cause of the accident, the manifold just one of its victims. Fan, or generator bearing, whatever caused the imbalance that sent it flying, then that problem maker does not get replaced by insurance.

Alan

This message was edited by ford38v8 on 8-23-26 @ 9:40 PM


40 Coupe    -- 08-24-2026 @ 5:51 AM
  There are two different intakes for the 35. An early and around 3 to 4 of 35 a later that appears like your broken manifold. The early requires a different length fuel pump push rod. The front of the early intake is much different than your broken intake. Suggest getting the V8 club 35-36 restoration book it shows both intakes.

This message was edited by 40 Coupe on 8-24-26 @ 5:55 AM


51504bat    -- 08-24-2026 @ 6:41 AM
  Brassworks for a replacement radiator. Not cheap and it won't come overnight but you won't be disappointed. IMO
https://www.thebrassworks.net/

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52flatv8    -- 08-24-2026 @ 8:04 AM
  Perry, you might post on The Ford Barn too. Lots of info parts and help. Wish you well.


carcrazy    -- 08-24-2026 @ 9:02 AM
  If you are unable to find a suitable replacement manifold, perhaps you can find someone capable of welding your aluminum manifold to restore it to a condition as good as or better than new.


pfrancis    -- 09-14-2026 @ 12:23 AM
  I just wanted to update anyone who was interested in my analysis of the aluminum intake manifold failure on my 35 Ford. Upon closer examination, Alan's opinion was correct. A fan blade broke off and went out through the hood causing the out of balance fan and generator to break off the manifold and go into the radiator. It had nothing to do with fatigue on the aluminum manifold but everything to do with fatigue of the fan blade. I am still looking for a radiator but have aquired a nice new old stock (NOS) aluminum intake manifold which raises a question. My engine block and the original manifold both have a number 2 clearly stamped. But the NOS manifold is stamped with a number 1. The manifold seems to fit perfectly. Probably its not a problem but wonder if there is a reason for the different numbers. Also Alan's knowledge of comprehensive insurance was helpful-I am in negotiations with the insurance company now. Thanks Alan for the advice.
pfrancis
(Montana)


ford38v8    -- 09-14-2026 @ 1:53 AM
  Perry, glad to be of help! and here's just a bit more...
Don't even think about repainting your shop stool
or that wonderful patina will be gone forever!

Alan


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