Leaky Manifold Gasket

The exhaust manifold gasket forms a seal where the surfaces of the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head meet. As the metal surfaces on each side of the gasket expand and contract (due to the high temperatures of burned exhaust gases exiting from the engine's cylinder), the gasket may develop leaks.Consequences

Severe use and age are the key enemies to your vehicle's gaskets and seals. A leaky manifold gasket can not only adversely affect engine performance, but the hot exhaust gases can also pose a danger to various components in the engine compartment.

Signs

To guard against these potential problems and ensure that a leaky manifold gasket will be replaced as needed, vehicle owners should be on the alert for signs of poor engine performance, smells coming from the engine compartment, and loud engine noise.

TIP: It is not uncommon for the exhaust manifold bolts or studs to break before or during removal of an exhaust manifold, adding to the expense of replacing the gasket.

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