Del Hatt Automotive explains that exhaust odors inside your vehicle and burning odors in the engine are a sign that your exhaust manifold is leaking or the exhaust manifold gasket is leaking. Do not worry. If you bring your vehicle to our shop, we can inspect both parts to find the crack. Once we find the cracks, we will replace either the manifold or gasket. The odors that you detect are just one sign that you have a cracked manifold or gasket. Here are other signs that you will also notice while you are driving.
Lagging Performance
The engine’s performance is going to be affected by the crack in the gasket or the manifold because the crack will release exhaust into the engine. When this happens, the exhaust takes up space. Unfortunately, part of the space that it takes up is space in the combustion chamber. This prevents the open-air conditions that the chamber needs to burn the air and fuel in the cylinders. Consequently, your engine’s performance is going to lag while you drive your automobile.
Lagging Fuel Economy
A lagging engine means lagging fuel economy. When an engine is not performing efficiently, it uses up the gasoline or diesel fuel more quickly. Consequently, the crack in the exhaust manifold or manifold gasket can actually reduce the miles you get out of each gallon of gas or diesel fuel. This can create problems for anyone who lives on a tight budget and cannot afford to fill up more often than he or she normally does. The leaking part needs to be replaced to restore the fuel efficiency.
Noises at Start-Up
When the exhaust manifold or manifold gasket leaks, it makes a popping or tapping sound that you can hear in the passenger cabin. It is easiest to hear this noise when you first start your automobile. In some cases, the noise will continue throughout the duration of your drive. In other cases, it may stop if the exhaust manifold is leaking. The reason why is that the manifold tends to expand as it heats up. Sometimes, this can actually seal the crack temporarily.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, there’s a good chance that the check engine light will turn on and stay on until the manifold or gasket is replaced. You probably don’t need us to tell you this but the reason why is that the engine is having problems performing as discussed above.
Del Hatt Automotive in Poughkeepsie, NY, is here to help, so call us today to schedule an appointment for your automobile.
