[crowinghen]

My 98 ( 150k miles) had a leaky exhaust manifold, so I purchased a new one and Hubby replaced it. Works fine for a while, but it keeps developing an exhaust leak ( maybe in the gaskets?) We've replaced the gaskets twice now,it works fine for a little while and I hear that ticking sound again. I haven't checked, but I'm pretty sure it's leaking again.
Is there some sort of trick to putting these things on?
Car also has had a growl at around 2000 RPM only when the engine is warm. So far we haven't been able to isolate it.

BTW it's a stock manifold, not the Accord one. and we have no CEL, but my gas mileage is poor.
I just thought I'd ask for help before I take it to the shop. I'd really rather save the money if I can.

thanks!

Susie

 

[hockeyman]

Were the bolts properly torqued?

I replaced my exhaust manifold back in '05, and I haven't had any leaks since.

I think the exhaust manifold-to-engine bolts are required to be torqued down to 24 ft.lbs.
That's actually not very tight, but I went with what my service manual said and they're still holding solid...

Maybe your bolts were over-tightened, and that caused the gasket to weaken and blow-out.

Just a guess though.

 

[crowinghen]

I believe they were torqued to 23 ft/lbs.
At least that's what I told my husband the specs are, and I know he used his fancy new torque wrench that I bought him to do it.


good thought though! thanks, Susie

 

[mjody]

It is common for the exhaust manifold to crack and leak. Remove the cover and see.
Also, I have seen a catalytic convertor that was plugged causing the exhaust to back up and leak at the exhaust manifold. HTH

 

[crowinghen]

Yes we did replace the manifold, asit did have a leak.
but hadn't heard that about the Catalytic converter. It very well could be plugged after all that rich running with the exhaust leak.
thank you, Susie

 

[crowinghen]

oh forgot that I don't have a CEL on-- I guess I probably would with a plugged up Cat.

thanks, Susie

 

[crowinghen]

Still working on this issue-- checked the Cat and it's fine-- the bolts on the exhaust manifold keep loosening-- we think that whatever is rattling and causing the growling sound is working the bolts loose-- but we can't find the cause of the rattle. So it's going to the mechanics tomorrow, unless I can figure out what the rattle might be from...

susie

 

[hockeyman]

I had a small bracket break loose and rattle like crazy for about 6 months. I found it, and re-welded the whole thing myself. No issues ever since.

The bracket is located about 6 inches in front of the converter. It has two bolts that hold it to the engine block. I think the bolts are either 10mm or 13mm in size.

On the far lower-left in this diagram, it's listed at #10:
Honda Automotive Parts

That somehow broke in half on me and the rattle drove me nuts until I found and fixed it!

I don't think that would cause the manifold bolts to loosen, but stranger things have happened before...

 

[crowinghen]

I think we've checked that bracket-- is it this one

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/28-1995-1998-odyssey/12812-exhaust-rattle-noise-repair-fix.html

Susie

 

[hockeyman]

I think we've checked that bracket-- is it this one

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/28-1995-1998-odyssey/12812-exhaust-rattle-noise-repair-fix.html

Susie

Yep, that's it. I guess it's a common problem because my bracket cracked in the same exact spot.

My apologies...

 

[Diverdon]

exhaust leak help

Hi, Susie,
I have a '95 and replaced the exhaust manifold about 4 months ago. I had problems with leaks at manifold where the collector bolts up. I bought a chinese manifold and not OEM, and the tapped holes for the collector bolts stripped out. I had to Heli-Coil the holes. The collector still leaked and I realized that I had the wrong nuts installed. I had to install the OEM nuts. I have had no leaks for 4 months so I think I solved the problem. If I were you,I would take a shop vacuum and hook up the discharge up to the tail pipe ( make sure it is not blowing any debris). After it is hooked up and air is moving you should have no problem determing where your leak is. Once you find your leak. Folks here should have no problem coming up with a solution.