Five Signs You’ve Got an Exhaust Manifold Problem

Your automobile’s exhaust manifold is the first part of the exhaust system, and it takes a lot of heat, literally. The exhaust manifold collects engine emissions – air and fuel burnt in the cylinders – and funnels them through the exhaust system. The exhaust manifold not only handles the extreme heat of the burnt gases but also burns raw gases that make their way to it. The manifold’s importance cannot be overstated, and Ideal Automotive lists five signs you’ve got an exhaust manifold problem.

What Goes Wrong

The exhaust manifold works under extreme heat and pressure, and it will eventually succumb to these conditions as it ages. Excess heat and pressure can crack the exhaust manifold, blow or crack the manifold’s gasket, or cause exhaust leaks through broken or loose screws.

Signs of Trouble

Vehicle age can play a huge factor in exhaust manifold problems. The older the car, the more chance of a failing part. As we mentioned above, there are five primary signs you’ve got an exhaust manifold problem in your car, truck, or utility vehicle. They are

1. An unusually noisy engine that is louder when it’s cold and accompanied by hissing and/or tapping sounds. This usually indicates the exhaust manifold gasket is cracked and expanding and contracting as it heats up and cools down.
2. Reduced fuel economy caused by inaccurate oxygen (O2) sensor readings. When the exhaust manifold is cracked and leaking, the O2 sensor thinks your air/fuel mixture is lean and tricks the Engine Control Unit into releasing more gas.
3. Acceleration loss caused by fuel delivery problems linked to a leaking exhaust manifold. You will notice acceleration performance issues when you step on the gas to start from a dead stop and when you want to increase your speed.
4. Burning smells coming from the engine bay from exhaust gases leaking out of the manifold and into the engine. The hot gases will not only smell hot, but they could also damage engine parts by overheating the engine bay.
5. Exhaust fumes inside your vehicle being pulled from the engine bay through the vents by your fan. This is dangerous, as these exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide. Never continue to drive if you smell exhaust inside your car.

It’s important to act quickly if you notice any of the five signs above because a leaking exhaust manifold can also overheat your engine and seriously damage other crucial parts. Call Ideal Automotive in Blaine, MN, at the first sign of a leaking exhaust manifold in your car, truck, or C/SUV.