How to Detect Leaks in Your Car's Exhaust Manifold

The exhaust manifold is usually a single pipe that delivers exhaust fumes from cylinders to the outside exhaust pipe.

Exhaust fumes are harmful as they carry the poisonous gas carbon monoxide, and a leaking exhaust manifold may allow the gas into the cabin of the car when the vents are open.

The exhaust manifold is usually a single pipe that delivers exhaust fumes from cylinders to the outside exhaust pipe.

Here are the signs that indicate a leak in the exhaust manifold of your car.

Cracked pipe

A cracked pipe in the exhaust manifold rigging is a sure sign that it is leaking. The rigging is underneath the car and you have to use a lift in order to check the piping.

Once the piping is in full view, you should check for cracks, and if you happen to find any crack, take your car to the repair shop.

Volume of noise

If there is a leak, you will often hear an increased noise volume near the engine when you start the car.

You need to keep in mind that there is a gasket that mediates between the engine block and the actual exhaust manifold piping.

Like the piping itself, the gasket goes through the stress of a constant heating and cooling cycle.

That is, if the crack is not visible in the pipe, an indicator of a bad manifold could still show in a warped gasket.

Hard acceleration

Sometimes when you step on the accelerator, you can detect the sounds of the exhaust fumes leaking through, but it is very difficult to distinguish this noise from that of the engine.

Also, noises from the engine could indicate many other car problems, so it can be hard to know whether this indicates a manifold problem or not.

This method should likely be used only to try to confirm your suspicions, after you have already found another warning sign.

Sputtering

if you hear sputtering, then you know that there is a leak somewhere. To make sure, check the other symptoms to distinguish an engine manifold leak from other leaks.

If this happens in conjunction with any of these other problems, then you know what you are dealing with for certain.

Exhaust fumes

Even though carbon monoxide is odorless, other exhaust fumes are not, and if your manifold is leaking, these odors will be stronger than normal.

If your car seems to be producing more noxious exhaust than usual, it may be time to schedule an appointment at the repair shop.

Finally

If you experience any of the above- mentioned symptoms, then it is a guarantee that there is a leak in your exhaust manifold.

You should immediately take your car to an automotive repair shop to fix the leak as it affects the performance of the car.