Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun: Closed

What Causes Cracked Manifolds?

cracked manifolds

You know that we can fix anything that’s wrong with any part of your exhaust system at Lou’s Custom Exhaust. But it is also important to know why things break within your exhaust system so that you can avoid—or at least delay—them in the future. One of the most significant problems that can happen in cars’ exhaust systems is cracked manifolds.

 

Let’s take a look at what causes cracked manifolds.

 

High Heat

A variety of factors can cause a cracked manifold in a car. However, exposure to high levels of heat is the most common cause. The manifold is located near the engine and therefore is exposed to the heat generated by the combustion process. The metal expands and contracts because of the heat. Over time, this repeated expansion and contraction stresses the metal, causing it to crack.

 

Corrosion

A second common cause of a cracked manifold is exposure to corrosive substances. There are several corrosive substances in your engine, including oil, fuel, and coolant. If these chemicals come into contact with the manifold, they can cause corrosion. Just like the repeated exposure to high heat, corrosion from contact with these substances weakens the manifold and makes it susceptible to cracking.

 

Internal Stress and External Damage

Another cause of cracked manifolds is just the regular wear and tear of normal engine performance. As the engine runs, it generates vibrations that can cause the manifold to move. Eventually, this movement will cause the metal to weaken and crack.

There are also external causes that can result in cracks in the exhaust manifold. For example, cracking can be due to poor manufacturing. If the manifold is not made to the correct specifications or if it is not correctly welded, it is more susceptible to cracking. Finally, you could also have a crack in your manifold if your car is in an accident. The force of the impact can crack the metal and damage the manifold.

 

cracked manifolds

Repair Cracked Manifolds | Lou’s Custom Exhaust

Cracked manifolds are one of the more extreme issues you have with your exhaust system. But you can rest assured that our team will fix it at Lou’s Custom Exhaust. From minor repairs to complete custom builds, if it’s exhaust, we’ve got it.

 

Contact us at (603) 249-5981 to book an appointment.