please advise on...

[connor]

my 1850 HL with twin s.u. carbs. The inlet manifold to carb flexi mountings have perished on the top sides. Would it be ok to change them side to side so as the unperished bits are at the top? Can i use a sealer or glue to repair the cracks?How flexible do they actually need to be?and finally should they have gaskets?
I don't wanna pay £60 for a new pair!

[DavePoth]

Is the perishing causing any running problems (inability to get the idle down to the correct numbers, "hunting" at idle, excessively lean mixture)?

It could be that the rubbers are just a bit grotty on the outside but the inside of them is still OK. I would think that moving them around will do a fair bit of damage to them, and new ones are usually NOS and don't last all that long. There are solid mounts available, some swear by them, others don't, and I'm sure they'll add to this a bit later.

[Jon Tilson]

they look equally manky after 5 minutes if you buy new ones...

If you suspect they are leaking they probaby arent.
Just spray some carb cleaner, wd40 or easistart around the persihed bit. If its leaking the car will pick up for a few seconds.

If there is a manfold air leak somewhere its more likely to be breather hoses.

Jonners

[Bettarn]

I agree. Bought some new ones for a TR7 once. Within months they looked as bad as the old ones. Is it my poor memory, or are solid ones available. Do they have to be rubber?

[David6214]

the club has solid ones......