It’s a rare occurrence, but Stringer Auto Repair advises that your exhaust manifold can crack and start leaking if you drive an older automobile or if you drive your vehicle when the engine is overheating. We are going to list the signs of an exhaust manifold leak below so you know what to look for in your automobile. Bring your vehicle to our auto shop in Johnstown at the first sign of trouble.
1. Lagging Engine Performance
The exhaust manifold is the exhaust system part that pushes the exhaust into the catalytic converter so it can be treated. The exhaust manifold and its gasket use quite a bit of force to get the exhaust into the converter. If the manifold or gasket starts to leak, you will start to have problems with your engine’s performance. Specifically, the engine will lag because it is being filled with exhaust gases.
2. Reduction in Fuel Efficiency
A reduction in engine performance equals a reduction in fuel efficiency. There is no way around this. Unfortunately, the engine burns more fuel when it is lagging than it does when it is running efficiently. Consequently, you are going to have to fill the tank more often to keep it full.
3. Burning Engine Parts Odor
As we mentioned above, your engine’s performance will lag because it will fill with exhaust gases. Unfortunately, these gases are extremely hot. As such, you will smell hot metal and the engine will overheat. In addition, any parts made out of plastic or rubber may melt. When this happens, you will smell the burning plastic or rubber in the engine.
4. Exhaust Smoke Odor
You may also have an exhaust manifold leak if you can smell your vehicle’s exhaust inside the automobile. This suggests that the exhaust has filled the engine and is being drawn into the cabin through the vents. As you can imagine, it is dangerous to drive your vehicle if you can smell the exhaust.
5. Tapping or Hissing Noises
The leaking manifold will make noises when you first start your automobile. Specifically, as the exhaust escapes through the crack, it will make a tapping sound or a hissing noise. Sometimes, this noise stops after your engine has warmed up because the manifold has expanded and sealed the crack.
6. Check Engine Warning
Finally, the check engine light will turn on on the dashboard because sensors in the engine will report malfunctions to the engine control unit. Unfortunately, you will have an illuminated check engine warning until you replace the leaking exhaust manifold.
Stringer Auto Repair in Johnstown, OH, can do that for you, so give us a call today to set up a service appointment.
