What are the symptoms of a damaged exhaust manifold gasket?
2 Answers
Exhaust manifold gasket damage most directly manifests as air leakage, loud noise, and weak engine performance. Below is additional information on exhaust manifold gasket damage: 1. Improper operation: When a vehicle reaches the top of a slope, the engine temperature is relatively high, and the exhaust gas temperature is also very high, resulting in high temperatures being transmitted to the exhaust pipe and other components. Many drivers use the exhaust brake as soon as they start descending the slope, but due to the high temperature, the exhaust manifold gasket is prone to burning out. 2. Using the exhaust brake at high RPM: Engaging the exhaust brake when the engine is running at high RPM can create excessive instantaneous pressure, which is one of the reasons for exhaust manifold gasket failure. According to engineers from Shaanxi Automobile Research Institute, it is recommended that users use the exhaust brake below 1500 RPM.
I've driven quite a few older cars, and the symptoms of a damaged exhaust manifold gasket are quite obvious. There's a distinct hissing exhaust leak sound while driving, like a little whistle, which gets louder with every acceleration. You might also notice a pungent exhaust smell inside the cabin, which can cause dizziness if inhaled too much—likely due to leaked fumes entering the compartment. Another telltale sign is rough engine idling, where the car feels shaky or lacks power, making acceleration sluggish. If you pop the hood, you may spot black carbon buildup or oily stains around the manifold, indicating exhaust leakage. Leaving it unrepaired for too long can increase fuel consumption due to reduced exhaust system efficiency and may even trigger the check engine light. So once these symptoms appear, head to a professional repair shop immediately—safety first.
