You can count on Auto Service Kingston for all of your automotive needs. Although rare, if you drive a vehicle that has a ton of kilometres on the odometer, the exhaust manifold may start to leak. This generally happens if the engine is running too hot. We are going to list the signs that you have a leaking exhaust manifold so know when there is a problem under the hood.
Reduced Performance
One of the things that happens when the manifold starts to leak is your engine performance suffers. This is because the engine is being filled with exhaust gasses that are escaping out of the crack in the exhaust manifold. It’s important to understand that the exhaust manifold gasket can also start to leak and release exhaust gasses into the engine that will affect the engine’s performance.
Reduced Petrol Economy
The reduction in the engine performance is also going to reduce your vehicle’s petrol economy. This will leave you heading to the petrol station more often. Unfortunately, because the engine is running inefficiently, it will actually use up more petrol than it normally does.
Burning Plastic Odours
As previously mentioned, the engine is going to fill with exhaust gasses. Unfortunately, these gasses are quite hot. As such, when they come into contact with plastic or rubber engine parts, they will start to melt them. They will also overheat the metal parts and overheat the engine.
Strong Exhaust Odours
A dangerous sign that your exhaust manifold is leaking is strong exhaust odors in the passenger cabin. When this happens, you need to stop driving your vehicle right away because you could get sick. You never want to inhale vehicle exhaust as it is filled with carbon monoxide.
Strange Engine Noises
If you have noticed some of the problems listed above, listen carefully when you fire up your vehicle. The crack in the exhaust manifold is usually larger when the manifold is cold. As such, you can hear the exhaust escaping from the manifold. The exhaust will make a hissing or tapping sound. Once the manifold gets hot, it may expand and seal the crack.
Illuminated CEL
Finally, the engine control unit in your automobile may turn on the check engine light to give you a warning that something is wrong. In this case, the problem is a cracked exhaust manifold.
Auto Service Kingston in Kingston, ON, would be happy to help, so ring us up today to set up an appointment for your SUV, car, or truck.