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Signs the Exhaust Manifold Gasket Is Cracked

Advanced Automotive can help you if your exhaust manifold gasket has cracked. This gasket keeps the scorching exhaust inside the manifold until it pushes it into the catalytic converter. It’s important to have the gasket replaced as soon as possible to avoid the following problems. It’s also important to note that the manifold itself can crack and cause the same problems.

Poor Performance

There will be a noticeable reduction in your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine performance if the exhaust manifold gasket is cracked. This is because the exhaust escapes out of the crack and fills the engine with gases. These gases affect the engine’s ability to produce combustion in the combustion chamber. Consequently, your engine will lag and struggle to run and accelerate.

Poor Fuel Economy

You definitely do not want to hear this right now with gas prices as high as they are, but another problem that can be caused by a cracked manifold gasket or manifold is a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy. The reason why the gas mileage suffers is that the engine is struggling to produce power. To overcompensate for its inability to produce power, it will burn more fuel.

Burning Engine Odors

Speaking of burning, you will also smell burning rubber or burning plastic odors coming from the engine. When the exhaust escapes from the cracked gasket or manifold, it is exceedingly hot. Consequently, as it comes in contact with various engine parts, it will overheat them. The hot metal parts will cause your engine to overheat. The hot rubber and plastic parts will melt.

Strange Start-Up Sounds

If you think you may have a cracked exhaust manifold gasket or cracked manifold, listen carefully when you first fire up your automobile. If either of these exhaust system parts is cracked, you will hear hissing or tapping as the exhaust escapes through the crack. Sometimes, you can only hear this noise when you start your automobile because as the manifold and gasket heat up, they expand. This seals the crack.

Check Engine Warning

Finally, it’s also probable that the engine control module will turn on the check engine light. This is because various sensors throughout your engine and exhaust system are reporting problems to the module. In some cases, the module can repair the problem. In this case, it can’t. As such, it will turn on the CEL to let you know there is something wrong.

Advanced Automotive in Stanwood, WA, is here to help, so give us a ring today to set up a service appointment for your exhaust manifold gasket.

Photo by kvsan from Getty Images via Canva Pro
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