Chief intake manifold nipple again

[stan]

I have decided the rear nipple has to be replaced. I removed the manifold and discovered the mating surface is beyond repair. I am sure this was my hot hard starting issues. I guess I should punch out the retaining stud first, before I attempt to cut through the nipple and crush it. Think it's possible to do this with the cylinder still on the motor? Stan

[T. Cotten]

Stan!

Have you considered dressing the face of the nipple first?

File any burrs, and then stone the face in a draw-file motion.

Replacement of a Chief nipple would be a very last resort...


...Cotten
PS: Spare the punch! Drill it out if you must, because you will need to ream it for a precise fit of a new custom-fit rivet anyway.

[stan]

I built this chief from pieces. I believe the cylinder in question must have sat out in the rain in it's previous life. It has some serious rust damage. I saw this 30 or so years ago, but didn't pay much attention to it. This has never been a good starter hot. This is probably the reason. The chief has sat for a number of years because of the starting issue. Stan

[stan]

Does anyone know of someone making a manifold nipple installation tool. I find ones for Harleys, but not Indians. Looks like a good place for a tool one time tool rental. I am going to get a new manifold, and brass rings, which have worked for years. The more I look at the nipple the worse it is. I can't believe I didn't do something about it years ago. If the surgery is successful I should have a chief I can actually start hot. Stan

[T. Cotten]

Sure don't, Stan!

You are going to have to make your own expanding collet.

....Cotten
PS: You would do best to shop for a cast iron or steel manifold if you choose brass seals.

[mark59]

i have used an old manifold nut and installed a brass insert to seat against nut and nipple face, once tight a light rap removes makeshift tool. i have more than 7 yrs and 50k miles on a U model, an annual leak test has never shown this joint to leak, cylinder to nipple. now manifold nipples to intake manifold is another story. JB weld was what i used for sealing and retention. another item was using a set screw instead of a rivet, i indexed set screw position on nipple and made a relief area, i have been so perplexed by aftermarket nipple quality and wear of old oem parts that i have on my latest build had a machinist custom make my nipples, thread pitch can be matched to old part and sealing surfaces at nipple to cylinder, a very critical area to seal can be made to seat properly.

[tfburke3]

Search internal pipe nipple wrench.There are different kinds.Cam lock,expanding etc.Plumbing supply house or the net.
Tom