You can crack the exhaust manifold if you drive your car, truck, or utility vehicle when the engine is overheating. You can also crack the exhaust manifold gasket. Unfortunately, once this happens, you will start to have engine problems. Do not worry. JTR Repair can replace your exhaust manifold or manifold gasket if either is compromised. Let’s talk about the signs of a cracked exhaust manifold below.
Reduced Performance
As we just mentioned, the crack in the manifold can affect your engine’s performance. In most cases, it reduces the performance because it fills the engine with exhaust gases that take up combustion space. Anytime your engine cannot produce combustion efficiently, it will lag and sputter.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, this inefficiency will also reduce the fuel economy you get out of your automobile. Naturally, this can be a huge pain if you are on a tight budget. The reduction in the fuel economy will be noticeable enough that you will end up at the service station more often filling the tank.
Strange Start-Up Noises
A crack in the manifold or gasket can also cause the engine to make strange noises when you fire it up. For example, if the exhaust pushes out of the crack, it will pop. It may also tap or squeal. Listen carefully for these noises when you start your automobile if you are concerned that the manifold is cracked.
Hot/Burning Engine Odors
You can also use your nose to detect a cracked exhaust manifold or gasket. When the exhaust leaks out of either part, it increases the engine’s temperature to the point that it may overheat. In addition, the parts will get so hot that you will smell hot or burning odors coming from the engine.
Strong Exhaust Odors
When the exhaust manifold or gasket cracks, this makes it easier for the exhaust gases to make their way to the inside of your vehicle. Consequently, you may smell exhaust while you are driving your automobile. Do not drive your automobile if you can smell the exhaust. You could get seriously ill.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, all of the above are going to create problems in the engine that the engine control module cannot fix. It cannot replace a cracked exhaust manifold or gasket to restore the engine’s performance. As such, it will turn on the check engine light to let you know that there is a problem in the engine.
JTR Repair in Crawfordsville, IN, can help, so call us today.
