GLTHFJ60 said:So should I buy one? (manifold insulator)
How did you fix the flapper open? Did you weld it, or did you do something else?
By the way, I ended up ordering the Fel-Pro gaskets from partsamerica.com (thanks FJ40 Jim ). I ordered the main gasket, the valve cover gasket because it leaks like a siv (sp), as well as fuel and oil filters. I don't know when they were changed last, so I just got new ones.
I will get new silicone lines as well.
If your manifold insulator is ok, then just reuse your old one, but if it's broke get a new one. I have no experience with the SOR replacement (solid one) so I can't give you a rec. either way. As far as my flapper, mine was stuck closed after I had everything back together and running for a while, so access to it is kinda tight. I took off the spring from the permanantly mounted rod, then turned the flapper all the way to the open position, and then turned the spring so I had enough tension on it to hold it open permanently. Not a "forever" fix, but until I have reason to tear into it again it'll work. Only neg. is longer warm-up times in the cold weather.