A vehicle that is used daily should be kept in good condition, and should be serviced regularly. However, even when a vehicle is well taken care of, problems may occur from time to time, especially in older models. Leaks or cracks in the exhaust manifolds of a vehicle is a serious problem that needs attention. Some people find that having an exhaust manifold leak repair kit available for when it is needed is a good idea. This is especially the case for those who like to fix their own cars.
In most cases, a problem in a vehicle can be quite easily detected by someone who is familiar with mechanics. There are almost always symptoms that should not be ignored. It can be difficult, however, to assess the specific part of the car that is troublesome, as often the same symptoms are presented for several different faults. Regardless, you can suspect trouble with the manifolds if you can clearly smell gas in the emissions. It will be a strong odor that is not usually there.
When you detect this smell, you will know that something within the vehicle needs to be repaired. However, to be sure, you can take your vehicle for an emissions test. This is usually done by a mechanic, and will show if the emissions of your vehicle are normal or problematic. If the car seems faulty, you can leave it with the mechanic so that he can find the problem.
When there are leaks or cracks of this nature, you may notice that your engine sounds different. There could be strange sounds when you are driving, such as a knocking sound towards the rear of the vehicle. These sounds will only occur when the engine is running, therefore, sometimes they are quite hard to hear.
Many people are able to change the gaskets of their vehicle's manifolds themselves. The first advice, however, is to let the engine cool down so that you can safely touch any part of the vehicle. With a wrench, you should be able to undo the bolts that are holding the manifolds to the cylinder head.
Should the manifolds be resistant to moving, knock them with a rubber mallet. Always use rubber otherwise you may break parts that shouldn't be damaged. All you need to achieve here is to make way so that you can reach the gasket, therefore, the manifold need not come right out of the vehicle. Insert your new gasket once the old one is removed, but don't add gasket sealer to it.
Return the bolts to their correct places, tightening them a bit at a time until they are firmly positioned. The slow tightening of the bolts helps the gasket to fit properly and to not warp. If the gasket on your car needs replacing, you can purchase kits that contain all the necessary tools for the job, however, you could also call a mechanic to do the work.
Manifolds are most often of a cast-iron material, but can be of a tubular variety as well. The first type is easier to fix, while the second is better replaced. Cast-iron is durable, but can still have faults from time to time.
In most cases, a problem in a vehicle can be quite easily detected by someone who is familiar with mechanics. There are almost always symptoms that should not be ignored. It can be difficult, however, to assess the specific part of the car that is troublesome, as often the same symptoms are presented for several different faults. Regardless, you can suspect trouble with the manifolds if you can clearly smell gas in the emissions. It will be a strong odor that is not usually there.
When you detect this smell, you will know that something within the vehicle needs to be repaired. However, to be sure, you can take your vehicle for an emissions test. This is usually done by a mechanic, and will show if the emissions of your vehicle are normal or problematic. If the car seems faulty, you can leave it with the mechanic so that he can find the problem.
When there are leaks or cracks of this nature, you may notice that your engine sounds different. There could be strange sounds when you are driving, such as a knocking sound towards the rear of the vehicle. These sounds will only occur when the engine is running, therefore, sometimes they are quite hard to hear.
Many people are able to change the gaskets of their vehicle's manifolds themselves. The first advice, however, is to let the engine cool down so that you can safely touch any part of the vehicle. With a wrench, you should be able to undo the bolts that are holding the manifolds to the cylinder head.
Should the manifolds be resistant to moving, knock them with a rubber mallet. Always use rubber otherwise you may break parts that shouldn't be damaged. All you need to achieve here is to make way so that you can reach the gasket, therefore, the manifold need not come right out of the vehicle. Insert your new gasket once the old one is removed, but don't add gasket sealer to it.
Return the bolts to their correct places, tightening them a bit at a time until they are firmly positioned. The slow tightening of the bolts helps the gasket to fit properly and to not warp. If the gasket on your car needs replacing, you can purchase kits that contain all the necessary tools for the job, however, you could also call a mechanic to do the work.
Manifolds are most often of a cast-iron material, but can be of a tubular variety as well. The first type is easier to fix, while the second is better replaced. Cast-iron is durable, but can still have faults from time to time.
