Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement
What is an exhaust manifold gasket?
The exhaust manifold is the collector for the engine’s exhaust gas. It is the first step in the exhaust system, and the last step the engine takes to produce power.
How does the exhaust manifold gasket work?
As the engine pumps hot exhaust gases out of the cylinder head, the exhaust manifold receives it, and pressure builds inside the manifold. The metal gasket expands with the cylinder head and manifold, to fill the tiny gap between them, so back pressure may build without the gas escaping the exhaust system,
When the exhaust manifold gaskets are leaking, you will hear a ticking or tapping noise, especially when the engine is cold. The noise may partially or totally disappear when the engine is warmed up.
What are the symptoms related to a bad exhaust manifold gasket?
When the exhaust manifold gasket becomes corroded to the point of failure, it no longer muffles engine exhaust noise, and the result will be a tapping noise from the exhaust manifold. If the muffler bracket has broken, or the rubber hanger is worn, the muffler and exhaust pipe may hang down, placing additional strain on the hot manifold, and cause the exhaust manifold gasket to leak. Lastly, the manifold gasket leaking could register as lean fuel conditions at the oxygen sensors, causing black smoke from the exhaust under heavy acceleration, check engine light illumination, and OBD trouble codes for exhaust and emissions, fuel delivery, and lean running conditions.
More exhaust manifold gasket symptoms