I was rejoicing a little too soon. My manifolds were leaking. All the exhaust ports blew the gaskets out at the bottom an the center intake port appeared to be leaking. I replaced the gaskets and made sure all three intake rings were in place but it still leaks. I had used the '54 235 manifolds on the 261 head after examining the ports to be sure they were the same shape and size. I knew they would be the same because the gaskets for a 235 and 261 are the same. Now I have drilled out the broken exhaust studs , freed up the stuck heat riser valve , and cleaned the surfaces where the gaskets must seal on the 261 manifold. I will install it and see if that fixes my problem. Although this is my first 261 I have removed , installed , and switched manifolds on 235s for 35+ years and never had a problem with leakage.Looks like I won't be driving it to Pigeon Forge on Friday.
