Sunday, November 28, 2010

Detecting Exhaust Manifold Leak

By Sylvia Wells


To keep the vehicle friendly to the environment as well as keep up with the registration and mandate, it should be taken to emission tests. It involves inspecting the exhaust for carbon monoxide and other harmful gases.

The exhaust manifold must be checked and inspected should the vehicle fail the emission test. If there's a bit of a rumble when starting up the car or when running it's cold, it's a good indication that there's a leak. The nice thing about this test is that it's pretty easy to do. After doing this, you won't have to put yourself through any more complaints.

The car should be tested shortly after getting it started. There's a good chance that the leak can be heard or felt while the engine is still a bit cold. You can also avoid getting burned when checking the car. Go around the exhaust and do some sniffing. It many not be a reliable way to know if there is a leak but at least you'd get some signs. Remember that carbon monoxide has no smell at all when released by the exhaust system of the car.

Keep your ears open when checking the car. You might hear some ticking noise cause by the cracks or leaks in the exhaust manifold. This is especially evident when the car is running cold. You could also get some noticeable vibrations going along with the noise. It might help to use a stethoscope to listen in closely to the manifold and the location of the leak can be easily determined as well. As an alternative, you can use a tube or hose to localize the sound.

Inspect the physical nature of the manifold. You can try getting it out of the car and inspect it manually. You may succeed in determining the warping or cracking. Just to be sure, you'll have to consult a mechanic as the part will have to be removed from the engine. Inspect the exhaust ports as well for some damage. Discoloration or burnt paint are signs of a leak. Burnt spark plugs, valves or boots are other indications also. Have the manifold fixed immediately if this kind of damage is present.

It's best that you take the car out for an emission test even if it's still not due yet. A leak can cause a reduction in oxygen output and this will surely get a failing mark in the test. In some cases where the manifold passes the test, you may have to get it straightened out to fix the warping.

Joints with hot spots are sure indications of a leak. The effects are the same as with a leak in the manifold if there is heat escaping the joints. If your car is new, be sure to always check the engine lights as these could give you the earliest signs of the leak with the oxygen indicator found near the manifold.

Even the most insignificant leak can cause major damage to the car and also to the passengers. You might find yourself getting nauseous and dizzy if there's carbon monoxide coming into the car's interior. To get a complaint-free car, it's really best to go have that leak fixed.




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