4bangerjp.com

General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: neale_rs on March 15, 2007, 09:01:00 AM

Title: Fixing exhaust leak
Post by: neale_rs on March 15, 2007, 09:01:00 AM

The rearmost stud is broken on my 2.5 4cyl (95 YJ) and it has an exhaust leak.  It was this way when I bought it so I have no idea how long it has gone like this.  Yesterday I took it to a mechanic and he said that he could just remove the manifolds and broken stud and put in a new gasket but that there is only a 50% chance it will seal properly.  He said the sure fix is to mill the exhaust manifold and mating surface on the head, stating that the exhaust leak could have erroded the mating surfaces.

Does this sound reasonable?

Also, would the intake manifold also have to be milled to keep it at the same thickness?  I worry about this because some of the fasterners are used to hold both manifolds in place.

Thanks
Title: Re: Fixing exhaust leak
Post by: Mozman68 on March 15, 2007, 10:27:03 AM
just curious...how much is he asking to do that??
Title: Re: Fixing exhaust leak
Post by: oldjeep on March 15, 2007, 10:31:27 AM
Depends on how much of the gasket got burned up.  When I got mine one of the studs was missing, didn't notice until a few weeks ago when I started it up.  Replaced the stud and cranked down the washer/nut - exhaust leak all fixed.   Milling it seems extreme, if it's pitted I'd try some of that permatex repair goo. It worked for me the last time I had a pitted header that wouldn't seal.

http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/specialized_maintenance_repair/exhaust_system_maintenance_repair/Permatex_Hi-Temp_Metal_Repair_Compound.htm
Title: Re: Fixing exhaust leak
Post by: neale_rs on March 15, 2007, 10:38:05 AM
Mozman, 
He is asking $100 for the smaller job and $200 for the big job.

oldjeep,
Thanks for the input.  Milling does seem extreme to me.  I may tell him to do the smaller job and see how it goes.
Title: Re: Fixing exhaust leak
Post by: jcsanders79 on March 15, 2007, 11:28:48 AM
Look into getting a header instead of the manifold, pacesetters are inexpesive and are not to hard to install, $160 for a YJ @ tellico4x4.com then $0 for labor DIY
Title: Re: Fixing exhaust leak
Post by: oldjeep on March 15, 2007, 11:32:58 AM
You can buy brand new exhaust manifolds on ebay for $40 any day of the week too.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/91-02-JEEP-CHEROKEE-WRANGLER-2-5L-EXHAUST-MANIFOLD-2-5_W0QQitemZ160093426673QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160093426673
Title: Re: Fixing exhaust leak
Post by: Jeffy on March 15, 2007, 11:42:19 AM
If done properly, replacing the stud and gasket will fix the problem.
Title: Re: Fixing exhaust leak
Post by: lanulos89 on March 15, 2007, 12:45:48 PM
like jeffy said, i originally bought the jeep bolt broken, took it apart drilled the old stud out, put it tpgether with stock manifold.  worked fine, then upgraded to header, and well it still worked fine so yea you dont to mill just do it correctly.
Title: Re: Fixing exhaust leak
Post by: SKI BOY on March 15, 2007, 01:10:48 PM
If you don't know and trust the mechanic, you may be paying $200 for him to replace a $5-10 gasket! The manifold & head would have to be severely pitted for a new gasket & bolt not to seal the leak. If the mechanic is honest he would tell you that once he has it off. Let the buyer beware!!  :rant:
Title: Re: Fixing exhaust leak
Post by: neale_rs on March 15, 2007, 01:33:54 PM
Thanks for your advice.  I'll talk with him again and see what he is willing to do.  Maybe he was just giving me the worst case scenario.  I have never taken a vehicle to him before but he is highly recommended by the local jeepers.