Blown Manifold
The
exhaust manifold gasket helps seal the union between the exhaust manifold and
the side of the engine’s cylinder head. A blown exhaust gasket often protrudes
from the gap between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head. Determining if an exhaust manifold gasket has failed is easy to do. First; SIGHT: A blown exhaust gasket often protrudes from the gap between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head. Visually examine
the area where the manifold and head meet, if the engine is a V-6 or V-8,
compare both sides. Look for
pieces of gasket that are protruding far more than the rest which will indicate
the point of failure other visual sign is sooty exhaust which will stain the
side of the cylinder head or manifold. SOUND: Exhaust gas and noise are
expelled from the engine at a high velocity, down through the exhaust manifold
and into exhaust pipes, where they pass through the catalytic converter and
muffler before exiting from the tail. The event your manifold gasket is blown,
the exhaust gas will escape at the seal between the manifold and cylinder head,
resulting in a loud bang or pop noise each time that cylinder fires. SCENT: if
strong exhaust odor is present in the engine area, inspect the exhaust gaskets
to see if one or more has failed and is now allowing the untreated exhaust
fumes to escape into the engine well. A cracked or broken exhaust manifold is most often caused by one of two
things. The first reason is heat cycles and/or age. Over time, the manifolds
just can't take the heat anymore and cracks begin to form in them. The second
common reason for exhaust manifold failure is because of broken exhaust system
hangers. In your Yearly emissions
inspections, you will find that having a cracked exhaust manifold will instantly
get you a rejection sticker. That's because when you have a hole in the exhaust
system, it throws off the oxygen sensor readings, and will cause your vehicle
to run inefficiently. You could also lose a few miles per gallon. Replacing an
exhaust manifold will be a different procedure for each vehicle, so grabbing a
service manual is a great start |