need advice on milling exhaust manifold flange.

[andrew]

HI guys, need little advice on milling the manifold flange on my 1.7

So i welded the crack on exhaust manifold of the first cylinder.
On the flange, there is a 1-2mm gap between the flange of the 1st cylinder and the plane for the rest of the flange.
Which i think tore the tube apart by bending it outwards of the center of the manifold.



I have 3 options:
1) Leave it as is, torque manifold with a nut and hope that the clamping force on the flange won't tear it apart again.
2) lightly mill the flange, so the gap is reduced, but still some clamping force bends the 1st cylinder exhaust tube.
3) mill it all the way till all the flange is flat, but then the flange gets thinner.

What is the correct way? Any opinions are highly appreciated.

Regards, Andrew.

[andrew]

Anybody?

[derskine]

I would mill it flat, it'll be a little thinner but the gasket should take up slight warp if it happens.