Split Manifold Re-Installation

[51mike]

While doing valves on my 226 I separated the manifold to clean it up and paint.  No broken studs!  When bolting the two halves back together after painting,  it appeared the intake and exhaust ports are not lining up on the same flat plane where bolted to the block.  They are about 1/16 “ different, but I am concerned about doing something wrong and having leaks.  Is this normal and the gasket will sufficiently make up for any gap?

[joefrazer]

That is normal. Just be sure to tighten the manifold to block nuts from the inside out to minimize the opportunity for a crack.

[dogwalkfinds]

...and don't completely tighten the 4 bolts holding the 2 manifolds together until after you have snugged up all the stud nuts holding the manifolds against the block.

[51mike]

Thank you for the advice.  I would have cracked the manifolds without your help.