Somewhere on my 2004 4.2L engine I have an exhaust leak. You can hear and smell it well when the engine is cold and under accelleration. After 5 min. or so of warm-up, the sound and smell subsides. I assume it is the expansion of something when it heats-up. Any pointers or ideas what to check 1st? If it would need a new exhaust manifold and/or gasket, what would a dealer typically charge for a repair like that? Thank You
Exhaust Leak
- Thread starter Snashall
- Start date
seanpooh
Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2012
- Posts
- 461
I believe you have the most infamous exhaust manifold leak. When the pipes warms up, it expands and closes up the crack. I've heard someone using a hi temp JBweld/epoxy to patch it up. I know for a fact that everyone has an issue with a bolt snapping or two. There are a lot of threads around with tips and tricks.
BTW, welcome to GMTNation!
BTW, welcome to GMTNation!
Might get away with a new gasket but I would be standing by with a new manifold if its cracked. The exhaust smell pre cat is definitely the exhaust manifold.
A dealer might charge upwards of $500 to do the repair. Call around. It can be done yourself for about $120 which is the manifold, gasket and donut cost.
Your almost guaranteed to break some bolts if not the last one near the firewall. If this makes you nervous you might want to have a dealer or a shop do it so they can drill out any that broke. Ask for a price break if any do.
A dealer might charge upwards of $500 to do the repair. Call around. It can be done yourself for about $120 which is the manifold, gasket and donut cost.
Your almost guaranteed to break some bolts if not the last one near the firewall. If this makes you nervous you might want to have a dealer or a shop do it so they can drill out any that broke. Ask for a price break if any do.