The exhaust manifold is an important part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. Generally, if you take excellent care of your automobile, you will never need to worry about the exhaust manifold. In rare cases, however, the exhaust manifold can crack. In addition, the gasket that seals the exhaust manifold can also crack. Miller Brothers Auto Repair is going to talk about the exhaust manifold below.
What the Exhaust Manifold Does
The exhaust manifold is secured to your engine block so it can take in the exhaust that is generated by the engine’s combustion. This exhaust needs to be removed from the combustion chamber in order for your engine to run efficiently. Once the manifold takes in the exhaust, it uses quite a bit of force to push it into the catalytic converter. This is so the catalytic converter can treat the exhaust to make it safer when it flows out of your tailpipe.
Signs the Exhaust Manifold Is Cracked
As we mentioned above, the exhaust manifold rarely causes problems. This being said, if you drive your automobile when the engine is too hot, you run a high risk of cracking the exhaust manifold or the gasket that seals it. Once this happens, the manifold or gasket will need to be replaced. Otherwise, your exhaust system will not function properly. In addition, a cracked exhaust manifold or cracked exhaust manifold gasket can cause problems with the engine.
For example, when the exhaust manifold cracks, it releases hot exhaust into the engine. This exhaust not only prevents the engine from producing combustion but also melts susceptible engine parts. In addition, the exhaust can overheat the engine to the point that your temperature gauge needle is in the red zone. Consequently, your engine will struggle to run and you will end up losing fuel efficiency. These are just some of the signs that your exhaust manifold is leaking.
Another sign is a hissing, tapping, or popping noise when you first fire up your automobile. This noise is actually being made by the exhaust as it is pushed out of the exhaust manifold. Sometimes, the noise will go away, but the reason why is that the exhaust manifold has expanded due to the engine’s heat. When this happens, it only temporarily seals the crack. This problem, and the other problems discussed, may cause your engine control module to turn on the check engine light.
Miller Brothers Auto Repair in Somerset, WI, is here to help, and we can inspect your exhaust manifold if you suspect that it is cracked.