1968 Mustang Choke Tube Cover Melting!

macgeek · 4 Weeks Ago

I just installed a new choke tube kit on my 289 about a month ago, but when I looked under the hood the other day, I noticed that the cover that slides over one of the tubes is melting at the exhaust manifold! Is it normal for this to happen so soon? I feel kind of cheated :/ Thanks in advance.

Boomyal · 4 Weeks Ago

My guess is that wrap was originally made with asbestos. I don't think that they have ever come up with an equal substitute.

The Greek · 4 Weeks Ago

That material looks like melted plastic. It shouldn't melt like that. Give a call to the seller about this. They really need to hear some feed back on this inferior material.

Ivy66GT · 4 Weeks Ago

I agree that it shouldn't happen but I wouldn't doubt that all the repros will melt. Since the original material, woven asbestos, is a dirty word these days what is on the repro tubes is fiberglass which will melt. Mine hasn't melted yet but I expect it will someday.

macgeek · 4 Weeks Ago

Well that's too bad. I'll let the store know what happened, maybe they'll help me out. Thanks guys!

Boomyal · 4 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by macgeek

Well that's too bad. I'll let the store know what happened, maybe they'll help me out. Thanks guys!

I think you really need help from Uncle Sam. Asbestos worked, government mandated substitutes do not.

macgeek · 4 Weeks Ago

You know, I wouldn't have a problem using an original asbestos cover

Ivy66GT · 4 Weeks Ago

I have several original ones but not only does the asbestos get filthy it starts to unravel at the ends so they all get pretty ratty looking.

macgeek · 4 Weeks Ago

At least it won't melt all over my manifold! I wonder if it was just a fluke; maybe when I get a replacement it won't melt so quickly. Otherwise I may just look into getting an original asbestos one.

Out of curiosity, how necessary is the cover? Since it keeps the heat in, I imagine the automatic choke would function a little better with it on (though mine doesn't seem to want to work anyway).

Doc4421 · 1 Week Ago

Yeah, the asbestos wraps are ratty, but I always save mine. The plastic crap melts. Save them, preserve them, buy them if you can get them off of old cars.

There's always a trade off...