The exhaust manifold takes the exhaust from the combustion chamber and sends it into the catalytic converter so it can be treated before it is released. The exhaust manifold has a gasket to keep it sealed. John Ellis & Son advises that this gasket endures tremendous heat and pressure. This heat and pressure will eventually crack the gasket and you will end up with a leaking and damaged exhaust manifold.
Burning Plastic Odors
One of the first things you might notice is the odor of burning plastic while you are driving your car, truck, or utility vehicle. If the exhaust manifold gasket or the manifold itself is cracked, you have scorching exhaust being released into the engine. This exhaust is so hot that it can melt engine parts made of plastic or rubber. Consequently, you will smell these burning odors.
Performance Problems
As the damaged manifold or damaged manifold gasket continues to leak hot exhaust into the engine, the engine will fill with exhaust gases. This will cause engine performance problems such as lagging and sputtering. You will notice these problems in particular when you are trying to accelerate your automobile. You will continue to have the performance problems until the manifold or gasket is replaced.
Reduced Fuel Economy
To rub salt in the wound, the engine performance problems are going to cause a reduction in the gas mileage that your vehicle gets. Oddly, even though the engine is struggling to produce power, it will burn more fuel. Consequently, you will have to fill the tank more often until, again, the manifold or manifold gasket is replaced. This can be frustrating if you are living on a tight budget.
Loud Exhaust Noises
You will also hear noises coming from the engine that point to a problem with the exhaust manifold gasket. Specifically, when you first fire up your automobile, you will hear loud tapping or hissing noises. These noises are coming from the cracked gasket as the exhaust makes its way through the crack. You will also notice that your engine sounds much louder than normal.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, all of the above will most likely be accompanied by a dashboard warning light. In the case of the exhaust manifold, the engine control unit turns on the check engine light. Unfortunately, the manifold does not have a warning light of its own.
John Ellis & Son in Sacramento, CA, is here to help, so call us today to set up a service visit if you suspect that you have a leaking exhaust manifold or manifold gasket.
