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The Curious Bag
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An exhaust manifold leak is not a critical problem with a car's exhaust, but can cause some issues. Generally speaking, a car should not have any exhaust manifold leaks for optimal performance.
What is a Manifold Leak?
A manifold leak occurs when there is a gap between the exhaust manifold (where spent gases exit the motor and are routed to the exhaust) and the head of an engine.
Problems From a Manifold Leak
A manifold leak can result in less horsepower from your engine, since the vacuum system is not working properly. Think of the motor as a giant air pump. Any air that is being released at the wrong place or time can result in a loss of performance. Manifold leaks can also create loud, unusual noises as the air escapes from between the manifold and head.
How to Diagnose a Leak
To determine if you have an exhaust leak, listen closely around the manifold and head for excess exhaust noise while the car is running. You can also place your hand where the manifold and head meet to see if there is any air leaking out.
How to Fix a Manifold Leak
A manifold leak can be fixed by replacing the exhaust manifold gasket, tightening the bolts that hold the manifold on or in some cases by applying silicon to the area that is leaking.
The Causes
Manifold leaks can be caused by warped parts, a bad gasket and loose manifold bolts.
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