DOC Auto is going to list the signs that your exhaust manifold is leaking below. It’s important to understand that the manifold itself may crack or the gasket to the manifold may crack. Either way, you will experience one or more of the following problems. If you are having these problems, bring your vehicle to our shop right away so we can inspect the exhaust manifold and gasket.
Burning Plastic Odors
The exhaust manifold is the first part in the exhaust system. It pushes the exhaust into the catalytic converter so it can be treated. If the manifold or gasket is leaking, hot exhaust will make its way into the engine and melt rubber or plastic auto parts. Unfortunately, you will be able to smell these parts burning. Your engine is also going to run at a hotter temperature.
Loud Exhaust Noises
A sure sign that the manifold is leaking is hissing or tapping noises when you first fire up your automobile. These noises are made by the exhaust escaping from the manifold. If the manifold itself is cracked, you may not hear the noises once the engine heats up because the manifold metal expands and closes the crack. You may still hear the noises if the gasket is cracked.
Poor Acceleration
Unfortunately, as the exhaust escapes from the manifold, your vehicle’s acceleration will suffer. The same thing happens if your catalytic converter has been stolen. You will press down on the accelerator and the acceleration will be slow and jerky. In fact, it may seem as if your vehicle isn’t going to pick up speed at all. This points to a problem with the exhaust manifold.
Increased Fuel Consumption
As if that weren’t bad enough, your engine is going to consume the fuel more quickly as it struggles to accelerate. Consequently, you will see a noticeable reduction in gas mileage. With fuel prices as high as they are today, this can be an expensive problem. You’ll want to have the manifold or gasket replaced as soon as possible to restore your vehicle’s maximum fuel economy.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, all of these things are going to cause the check engine light to turn on. The engine control module will receive malfunctioning codes from system sensors and turn on the light to alert you that there’s a problem. We can pinpoint the reason why the CEL is on.
Call DOC Auto in Fredericksburg, VA, today if you are having any of the problems discussed above. We can replace the exhaust manifold and/or gasket.