Why a Cracked Exhaust Manifold is a Serious Problem

Have you ever noticed a loud explosion coming from your car engine that continues even after you have turned your car off? Or have you ever come across pungent smells when driving your car? These could be indications of a cracked exhaust manifold.

An exhaust manifold is the component in a car engine that collects gases produced by the engine cylinders and channels them towards the exhaust pipe. The exhaust manifold is a crucial component for the proper functioning of your car engine. A cracked exhaust manifold can cause various issues to your car engine if not diagnosed early. Keep reading to find out why.

What is an Exhaust Manifold?

Before delving deeper into what a cracked exhaust manifold is, it’s important to understand its role and importance in a car’s engine. As mentioned earlier, the exhaust manifold is significant in a car’s exhaust system as it collects exhaust gases produced by the engine cylinders and channels them towards the exhaust pipe.

The gases produced by the car engine cylinders are hot, with temperatures reaching hundreds of degrees Celsius. The exhaust manifold, being the first component in the exhaust system, is subjected to these hot gases and thus to high levels of heat. This heat, over time, leads to the exhaust manifold weakening and eventually cracking.

Signs of a Cracked Exhaust Manifold

A cracked exhaust manifold is not always easy to diagnose. However, there are some signs that you can look out for to know if your car engine exhaust manifold is cracked.

The first and most common indication of a cracked exhaust manifold is a loud explosion coming from the engine after you have turned your car off. The explosion is as a result of the air being sucked into the engine via the crack in the manifold. The sound could also be a ticking sound or a popping sound when driving.

Another indicator of a cracked exhaust manifold is the smell of gases within your car cabin while driving. Carbon monoxide and harmful gases are emitted from a cracked exhaust manifold and could pose a health hazard to the car occupants.

Consequences of a Cracked Exhaust Manifold

A cracked exhaust manifold, if left unattended, can cause severe damage to your car’s engine. As the cracks widen, they create more significant leaks that, in turn, lead to a decrease in engine power. The decrease in power is because the gasses no longer flow correctly through the exhaust system, causing backpressure in the engine’s cylinders. This can lead to engine misfires, which could cause significant engine damage over time.

The harmful gases that leak from the exhaust manifold can pose a health risk to humans and anything around the car. Carbon monoxide and other poisonous gases that leak could lead to severe health concerns and even death. Some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Importance of Repairing a Cracked Exhaust Manifold

A cracked exhaust manifold should be repaired as soon as possible. The damage caused by the cracks will only escalate if not taken care of. A cracked exhaust manifold could lead to an engine failure, which would result in significant costs. The cost of repairing a cracked exhaust manifold would vary depending on the extent of the damage, with extensive damage taking more time to repair.

The harmful effects of leaking gases pose a significant health concern and should not be taken lightly. Repairing a cracked exhaust manifold would ensure that there is no leakage of the harmful gases into the car cabin or surrounding environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a cracked exhaust manifold?

The primary cause of a cracked exhaust manifold is excessive heat. The high temperatures within the engine cylinders and the manifold cause the metal to expand and eventually crack over time.

How long does it take to repair a cracked exhaust manifold?

The duration to repair a cracked exhaust manifold varies depending on various factors such as the extent of the damage and availability of the replacement parts. On average, repair work could take several hours or even days.

How much does it cost to repair a cracked exhaust manifold?

The cost of repairing a cracked exhaust manifold varies with the extent of the damage and the type of car model. The cost would also depend on whether you opt to repair or replace the manifold. On average, repairing, or replacing a cracked exhaust manifold would cost between $300 and $1,500.

Can I drive with a cracked exhaust manifold?

While it is possible to drive a car with a cracked exhaust manifold, it is not advisable. The leaking harmful gases of the exhaust manifold pose a significant health risk and could lead to severe engine damage if left unattended.

How do I prevent my exhaust manifold from cracking?

The best way to prevent a cracked exhaust manifold is by maintaining it regularly. Proper engine maintenance, including regular oil changes and ensuring that coolant levels are adequate, can prevent the exhaust manifold from cracking due to excessive heat.

Can a cracked exhaust manifold cause check engine light to come on?

Yes, a cracked exhaust manifold can cause the check engine light to come on. The check engine light comes on when there is an issue with the car engine or emission control system.

What happens if I ignore a cracked exhaust manifold?

If ignored, the cracks in the exhaust manifold will widen, leading to more significant leaks and decreased engine power. This could lead to engine misfires, which would cause significant engine damage over time. The harmful gases that leak also pose a severe health risk.

Conclusion

As stated earlier, a cracked exhaust manifold is a severe issue that should not be left unattended. It is crucial to diagnose and repair a cracked exhaust manifold as quickly as possible. The harmful gases emitted pose a considerable health risk to humans and anything around the car.

Ignoring a cracked exhaust manifold will only lead to more significant issues resulting in significant engine damage, increased repair cost, and health hazards. Therefore, it is paramount to take your car for engine maintenance checks regularly and diagnose any potential issues with the exhaust manifold to prevent engine damage and health hazards.