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Getting noise (growling/rattling) from exhaust manifold (top/front of engine) and believe it is time to replace the gasket. Also getting burning smell from same area. Actually, the noise is starting to get more pronounced....the smell is really getting to me.
My question: Does anyone have the PDF of "how to replace exhaust manifold gasket". My thought is that its a pretty simple task, but want to make sure. Any tips you can provide regarding this task are appreciated. I think as long as I can get the bolts off (probably going to need some rust blaster spray) and align the gasket properly (I think it is just plug & play, no sealant needed), I should be OK.
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If you are a northerner, that drives salty roads, you may want to invest in new self-locking nuts and or cylinder head studs. Dependent on their condition, of course.
The helms states to use new gaskets and nuts, see PDF below.
I did not know that there is a front and rear exhaust manifold gasket. If I am going to handle this on my own, I am only going to be able to replace the gasket closest to the front bumper/radiator (assuming that is the front?). That is where the noise seems to be coming from (and smell).
Looking further at the engine last night, I see the front valve cover gasket is leaking. No idea how since this was replaced earlier this year, in February. This ticks me off....even if the part was "cheap", it shouldn't be leaking this fast. Anyway...I am working on getting this replaced. I think some of the smell is from the oil leaking onto a hot exhaust part. Also....the exhaust seemed to get louder and more pronounced. Almost positive it is exhaust manifold gasket. Thanks!
Photo of valve cover gasket leak (front left-side) (pretty much leaking right into exhaust manifold) and photo of valve cover gasket leak (front right-side) (also ordered cam seal). Tried uploaiding Video of exhaust noise...worse when revving engine and accelerating (and smells like grim death), but video will not upload.
solved it by purchasing the gasket kit for the valve covers. comes with the spark plug, valve cover and valve cover bolt seals. PITB to work on as you have to remove throttle body, intake manifold, etc to get to it.
before doing all that work I scrubbed everything clean with some superclean.
no more burning oil smell and engine looks like new.
Are you sure that the exhaust manifold is not cracked? tends to happen with cast parts.
Ughhh....I did not know the throttle body and intake needed to be removed to change the front valve cover gasket!!
To answer your question: I am not 100% sure the noise is from the exhaust manifold gasket. Or if it is the manifold itself. Thinking maybe I should head to see my buddy at Acura for a final diagnosis (I will not have them do the labor - too expensive)???
Notes: My symptoms are mostly noise when accelerating or revving engine and smell. NO performance issues or sputtering or chugging.......in fact the performance is very strong/runs great. Not sure if that helps with your question....I am too now wondering if its the entire manifold or just the gasket.
Also....I only purchased the 1 valve cover gasket (front, the rear is dry as a bone). But the gasket did not come with the plug seals or grommets. wondering if I should have purchases these too or if the current ones (which arent old) can be used.
Yeah, you may not need to do the sparkplug seals. the bolts perhaps. if your PCV valve is working well there shouldn't be too much pressure there to make oil coming out of here a huge concern.
if you're going to buy the rear seal (I DO recommend if you are doing all the work to replace the front) might be something to consider. any seal in here is a pain as the only way to access is to remove the throttle body, intake etc.
You have to remove these other parts before the valve cover because a few of he bolts which hold the valve cover down are obstructed by the intake.
Turns out after multiple mechanics reviewed the noise, it was thought to be the accessory belt tensioner. So, replaced the 1 valve cover gasket and accessory belt tensioner (and belt). Also, while performing this job the mechanic found the harmonic balancer was coming apart. Mechanic could not get the bolt removed so I ended up taking it to Acura and they replaced the harmonic balancer for $160.
This did NOT get rid of the noise. Acura heard the noise and mentioned it sounds like it is coming from the timing belt housing. Perhaps timing belt tensioner. Car is going back to Acura on Monday for a full diagnostic and plan of action based on what they find. I did the timing belt job earlier in the year (February) and I really do not want to do it again (Acura is quoting $1000+, although if I bring the kit they will charge $650 labor). Since the mechanic replaced the valve cover gasket another issue has started (which I will list in a separate thread). Question now is: noise from the timing belt cover isnt good, right? I am pissed because I just did this job and I guess the mechanic didnt replace all the parts or f'd something up.
UPDATE 2:
2nd day in a row that the car has a slightly hard start...like it doenst want to turn over. Also getting more of a burning smell from what seems like the timing cover area. My thought is now is to bring the car to Acura with the timing belt kit and having them do it next week. At this point, I do not think it is safe or smart to start the car. I am afraid the timing is ready to kill the engine. Thoughts?
Domenic, I don't think anyone here if going to tell you it's OK to drive your car; there is just too much risk of liability.
It sounds like there are a lot of variables coming into play here that are muddying up the situation, making it difficult to pinpoint where the issues really are.
I also get the picture (from this post and your other) that you may have someone working on your car who isn't doing a very good job.
Sounds like you've asked to fix:
an oil leak somewhere creating a burning oil smell
an exhaust leak creating a noise
an idling issue due to possibly some air, fuel or ignition problem yet to be determined.
a belt noise that is somewhere on the front side of the engine: could be serpentine, power steering or something along the timing belt.
if your mechanic created or was paid to resolve any of these and ended up not resolving or ended up creating any of these as a result, then they should fix it for you free of charge until it's good.
The mechanic thought the smelling was the bad valve cover gasket...which after it was removed and replaced, we could see it was crap. So he did good to replace that. No worries there.
The noise was first thought to be accessory belt tensioner, which was replaced. It was making noise, and it was chewing up the belt. So he did good to replace that. No worries there.
The nose was NOT just the accessory belt tensioner, next move was to replace the harmonic balancer which was coming apart (at rubber seal). Acura replaced that. No worries there.
The situation is....the MAIN noise has not be resolved. But we have been trying different things and since that didnt resolve the MAIN noise, we now have Acura saying the noise is coming from the Timing Belt cover (which they determined when they replaced the harmonic balancer).
After speaking with Acura again today, they are saying they are almost positive it is the Hydraulic Timing Belt Tensioner/Actuator. I had to buy the entire timing belt kit because I am not 100% sure it is ONLY the tensioner/acuator.
We never thought the problem was in the timing belt area because I did the timing belt job in February. The only thing is....I do not think the mechanic replaced the hydraulic tensioner in february., and it looks like that now has failed.
Appreciate your replies. Hope you had a good Thanksgiving!!
Noise from timing cover is gone. Acura replaced the timing belt hydraulic tensioner and the noise is gone. Runs quiet (although doesnt run right - see my other thread). But at least this problem is fixed.
