Small crack in intake manifold

[JulianCross]

Hello all, I have a 1969, Plus 2. All things considered running very well, good compression (175 at full throttle in all 4 pots), Webers fully reconditioned 12 months ago. Just back on the road after full re-wiring with new loom and dropping in a new uprated radiator/fan. During the rewiring we cleaned the engine/engine bay and I discovered a small crack in the intake manifold above the #2 intake trumpet. Looking back over the past couple of years of photos, I can see it has been there all along, just have not noticed it. Does not seem to impact anything. Engine is solid, 701M block, all standard internals (to my knowledge), makes good power, rev's well. Should I be concerned? [][/img]

[bitsobrits]

Until it starts leaking oil from from the cam area, or air into the intact tract, I would leave it alone and not worry.

[promotor]

Is it definitely a crack, or a casting mark looking like a crack?
Tricky one really as you don't want to start messing around with cylinder heads unless need be. I'm sure you'll get loads off different responses here which all relate to different levels of worry, skill, budget and time available etc.
If it were me, I would be considering drilling a hole at either end to stop it spreading and then tackling any welding if need be.
But it needs further investigation to see if you can find out why it has happened - is there anything obvious once the cam cover is off etc?

[JulianCross]

Definitely a crack. No idea how or when. Am thinking about using some JB Weld to close it up and give some strengthening. There is no oil leak and it does not seem to impact performance.

[rgh0]

Strange place to crack as no real stress in that area to cause a longitdinl crank in the intake. JB weld is certainly a potential simple fix to fill the area in the short term. An alternative is Loctite 290 wicking grade thread locker which will fill and seal a thin crack through capillary action

cheers
Rohan