The nuts are bronze and thus soft. So, only use a box wrench or socket on them. Once you break them loose, using a gear wrench on the ones underneath will make life somewhat easier for you. While porcelain is correct, it is lousy stuff and will likely end up flaking again. I'd put in stainless headers if yours is a driver. The Falcons (from Dick Ames) are very nice, and will drop your engine's running temperature a few degrees. wjd

Submitted by agm18@pacbell.net on Wed, 07/19/2006 - 13:09

We used racecar technology by having the manifolds Jet-Hot treated inside and out to keep the stock look. It worked just fine and we do not worry about the coefficient of expansion or bluing on stainless headers. If you show the car you will need the porcelain. Judith Mandell allanmandellatcomcast.net

Submitted by devecchio@veri… on Fri, 07/14/2006 - 22:24

Edwin,

William and I both do you a disservice. I say "lousy." He says "excellent." Imprecision abounds. Think of your porcelain this way: the coefficient of expansion for porcelain is significantly different from cast iron, as are their thermal transfer properties. Therefore, no matter how good a job they do in Minnesota of applying porcelain in a layer over iron, one will expand and contract at a different rate and to a different degree than the other. As a result, your porcelain will eventually crack again. The only question is how long "eventually" is in your case. The more you drive, the sooner it comes. Good luck, indeed. wjd

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Thu, 07/13/2006 - 15:35

I'll just add to my last post. Porcelain is not 'lousy Stuff" it is excellent, It is just a matter of finding someone who can apply it correctly, Thats why I send my jobs to Minnesota from Los Angeles. Good luck Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Mon, 07/10/2006 - 16:42

The nuts can be difficult and are best approached from below, it is likely you will need a new stud or two. I recommend sending them to Prairie Porcelain in Northfield MN Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Submitted by eembrunner@aol.com on Mon, 07/10/2006 - 15:24

A piece of the porcelain has cracked off one of the manifolds on my 1967 XKE 4.2 litre, series 1 OTS.
I am contemplating having them re-porcelained at XK'S Unlimited Inc and have two questions.
(1) How difficult is it to remove the manifolds. (One or two of the nuts underneath look as if they may be difficult to get a spanner on).
(2) Has any one any experience of the quality/durability of XK'S re-porcelaining.
I thank you all for any help; I need it. Ted.