Are you a Maserati driver who has recently noticed a strange smell or unpleasant noise from the exhaust of your vehicle? You might be having an exhaust manifold gasket leak. One of the most prevalent problems on many Maserati cars is the exhaust manifold leak which is likely to cause poor performance, misfire, bad fuel economy, and even internal engine damage in extreme cases.
There are so many reasons why exhaust manifolds leak; it is important to discover the cause of this problem early and fix it to prevent more damage to the exhaust system and engine in general. Keep on reading to know how to save your engine and get back the glorious sound of your Maserati.
What is an Exhaust Manifold and Why Does It Leak?
Exhaust manifold is an important component of your Maserati’s exhaust system. It takes exhaust gases from each cylinder and discharges them through the exhaust pipe. Designed to withstand high temperatures, the manifold is usually metallic, normally cast iron or stainless steel.
With time though, the heat and pressure build-up can wear out or crack the manifold and lead to leakages of the exhaust gases. Aside from heat and pressure, other causes of a leak in the manifold gasket are gasket wear and loose bolts.
How to Repair an Exhaust Manifold Leak
- Confirm the Leak: Avoid jumping right into the issue, make sure to verify where the leak emanates from. If the engine is cold then it is recommended to do a visual check of the manifold and nearby region for any crack, gap, or soot You can also check for leaks by using a spray bottle containing soapy water to spray the manifold joints and check for bubbling when the engine is running.
- Tighten the Bolts: Loose bolts are easy to replace and may be the reason for minor leaks. With the correct tools, turn each bolt as tightly as possible. Do not over-tighten them as this will lead to thread damage or more damage to the nuts or bolts. Sometimes, tightening these bolts can minimize or bring a small leakage to a halt.
- Replace the Gasket: If there is a problem with the gasket it may be fixable by simply getting a new one. To do this, you’ll need to take out the manifold from the engine, which may be very complicated depending on the model. After that, it is necessary to take out the gasket and visually check the condition of the surfaces and the presence of any wear on it. Replace it with a new one and make sure it fits perfectly well to avoid leakage next time.
- Repair or Replace the Manifold: If the manifold is severely damaged or has bad cracks, then, replacement is often the only solution. Minor cracks can be closed by a professional welder but this is usually a temporary solution. A new manifold will do a much better job of fixing these issues and return your Maserati to its previous state while also providing a properly sealed manifold.
- Inspect for Other Damage: When dealing with manifolds, always look at other related parts such as; the catalytic converter or O2 sensors. These parts may overheat or get damaged due to exhaust manifold leaks; therefore, getting them checked will save you on extra expenses.
You Can Count On Manfred’s Import Auto For Any Maserati Exhaust Problem
An exhaust manifold leak may not appear 
to be a major problem initially, but if left untreated, it is a problem that can develop into something even bigger. If you believe your Maserati does have an exhaust manifold leak, Manfred’s Import Auto is here for your vehicle needs.
Our shop is based in Cary, IL and we help luxury car owners from Fox River Grove, Barrington, Crystal Lake, Lake Zurich, and Lake Forest, IL. We understand that European cars need special attention and luxury cars like your Maserati even need all the attention to detail they can get while repairing and our team of qualified technicians is ready to deliver just that. Our experts will identify the problem and then offer the best services to fix your Maserati and have it run like new again. Bring your Maserati to us today so we can make sure your car is in perfect shape.
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