You may never have problems with the exhaust manifold in your automobile. If you drive the engine when it is too hot, however, Central Auto Care advises that you could crack or warp the exhaust manifold or manifold gasket and cause either to leak. When this happens, you will start to have the following problems with your automobile. It’s important to have the manifold or manifold gasket replaced right away to avoid additional engine damage.
Strange Engine Noises
One of the first things you might notice is a strange noise coming from the engine after you fire it up. A leaking exhaust manifold or manifold gasket will make a tapping, rattling, or hissing sound once the engine starts. As the engine heats up, the exhaust manifold will heat up and expand. This may close the crack in the manifold or gasket and stop the strange noises.
Lagging Performance
The leaking exhaust manifold can create problems with the oxygen sensor. Also called the O2 sensor, this exhaust system part measures the oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust. Unfortunately, if the manifold is leaking, it may cause the O2 sensor to report incorrect data. Consequently, the engine control module, your vehicle’s main computer chip, may cause an imbalance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. When this happens, your engine’s performance will lag or surge.
Poor Fuel Economy/Increased Emissions
The adjustments that the engine control module makes are going to throw off your fuel economy. Unfortunately, the fuel economy will be reduced. If the module puts too much gas in the combustion chamber, you will also end up with increased emissions in your vehicle’s exhaust.
Noticeable Exhaust Odors
The combustion chamber forces the exhaust into the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust manifold forces the exhaust into the catalytic converter. If the exhaust manifold is leaking, vehicle exhaust is going to waft upward and into the engine. Consequently, you may be able to smell your vehicle’s exhaust in the engine and inside the automobile.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, all of these things are going to make various system sensors crazy. They will report errors to the engine control module and the module will turn on the check engine light to alert you that there is a problem in the engine. In this case, the problem is the cracked exhaust manifold or gasket.
Call Central Auto Care in Okotoks, AB, today to set up a service visit if your vehicle shows the signs of a cracked exhaust manifold.
