Wierd Gap under carbs

[TTDRIVER]

I was looking under my carbs today and I noticed a gap between the intake manifold spacer and my SU's. Its located right under the each attachment of both carbs where they meet the intake manifold. The gap is between the carb and the spacer when looked at from under the carburtors. Why is there a gap there? Is this normal or is something wrong? I have a picture of it with a red line showing you where the gap is. Sorry picture is kind of blurry. Thanks for the help

[beandip]

there should be a spacer there , made of a brown plastic material called phenalic, not sure of the spelling, it acts as a insulater and should be about 1/2" thick . If there is material missing and there is a gap and if the car is running ok don't worry about it. the next time you remove the carb take a look and see if the missing material compromises the seal between the manifold and the carb. If not , no harm no foul. enjoy the ride. :classic:

[Bruce Palmer]

...you've got 3 screw insulators and the outside section around what was the water passage has broken out. These old blocks are very prone to cracking from being popped off a million time over the years. I'd guess you aren't running water to the manifold or if you are, the manifold is the earlier 4 screw that didn't have the water ports. Some time when it's convenient I'd pull em and build up and re-form those areas with epoxy putty. Good insulators are getting real hard to find.

We have new gaskets....

[TTDRIVER]

Thanks for the help guys, but I do have the spacers there and it dosent look broken. The spacers narrow out in the center which creates a v like shape and because of that it has a gap. I have never ran these carbs and was wondering if the gaps would cause a leak.

Thanks again

Saro Fagerian