Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement
What is an intake manifold gasket?
For the engine to run, the intake manifold has to be properly sealed to the cylinder head. The intake manifold gasket does this. It may be made of rubber or paper.
How does the intake manifold gasket work?
The intake manifold is a distribution system for air, and sometimes fuel. As the throttle body opens, the engine intake stroke sucks in air through the intake manifold. Cars that don't use direct injection will distribute fuel this way as well, but this system is becoming less common.
Negative pressure, or a vacuum, builds up inside the intake manifold, and the manifold gasket is used to prevent any unwanted air from entering the system.
What are the symptoms related to a bad intake manifold gasket?
Problems with the intake manifold gasket can create the following symptoms:
Illuminated check engine light
Erratic engine performance
Oil and coolant leaks
Poor gas mileage
Stalling
» LEARN MORE: Intake manifold gasket symptoms
Can I drive with a intake manifold gasket problem?
A problem with the intake manifold gasket can make life hard on the engine. It's often best to have the car towed to a repair shop in this situation to avoid further damage.
How often do intake manifold gaskets need to be replaced?
There's no set schedule to replace the intake manifold gasket. It's designed to last the life of the vehicle, but often it will be replaced when doing related engine repairs in order to prevent problems with it down the road.