Updated at: 24-03-2022 - By: Lucas

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In other words, how do you know whether your exhaust manifold is clogged? There is a distinct change in the sound of your car when the exhaust manifold is blocked up. As a result, you may notice that the exhaust pipe’s emissions (gaseous outputs) are dirtier than they normally are.

Unfortunately, a large percentage of motorists fail to pay attention to the exhaust system of their vehicles. Your engine’s exhaust system is just as critical; the two go hand in hand.

Because your engine could be harmed if something goes wrong with your exhaust, you should keep an eye out for any problems and address them as soon as you notice them.

In addition to the symptoms listed above, a clogged exhaust manifold might cause the following. A clogged exhaust manifold was also on the agenda.

Let’s get this party started!

What Are The Functions Of Exhaust Manifolds?

Clogged Exhaust Manifold Symptoms-2

Simply said, the first “component” of an exhaust system is the exhaust manifolds. Emissions from an automobile’s engine can be collected and disposed of by an exhaust system. The manifold, cat converter, muffler, and tailpipe are the most common components of an exhaust system.

In some cases, custom-made resomers can be added to the exhaust to lessen the noise it makes as the vehicle travels down the road (especially during acceleration). If your exhaust manifold is clogged, you may see or experience the following symptoms.

Symptoms of a Clogged Exhaust Manifold

The manifold can become blocked for a number of causes, including a failure of the gas or diesel turbocharger. It’s possible to clean a blocked manifold based on this guide:

1. Dirtier, Smelly Exhaust Fumes

It is possible to identify changes in the color and “smell” of exhaust gases if you keep an eye out for them.

Clogged manifolds would increase the amount of unclean gas in the chamber, and some of it would find a way to leak out, resulting in an unpleasant odor.

The exhaust pipe’s ability to dispose of fumes can also be affected by a leaking manifold. A clogged or leaking exhaust manifold will cause you to experience a strong, noxious gas smell when driving.

2. Loss Of Power

A clogged or obstructed manifold is one of the possible causes of a loss of engine power, even though we are aware of many other possible causes. The exhaust system is designed to work in tandem with the engine, as stated before in this article.

As a result, a malfunction in the exhaust system might have a direct impact on the performance of the engine. This means that dangerous gasses from the engine’s cylinders can’t exit the manifold and end up back in the engine, so a blocked manifold is an issue.

The engine would be unable to perform as expected if the exhaust gases were being recirculated back into the engine. Engine power loss can be caused by a damaged or malfunctioning manifold like this.

3. Unusual Loud (Cranking) Noise When You Rev The Engine

It’s possible that your exhaust manifold is cracked or blocked if you hear a loud, strange noise from the back of your car as you rev it up. A functional exhaust manifold helps minimize the sound of your car’s exhaust to a minimum.

When you rev your engine, you may also hear loud noises coming from “loopholes.” Yes, sound waves can escape from the manifold before they are muffled by the muffler if it has a loophole (leaky places).

As a result, when you try to accelerate or rev your engine, you may hear a loud, cranking noise coming from your exhaust manifold.

4. Significant Decrease In Fuel Efficiency

Every minor problem with your vehicle seems to have a direct impact on its fuel economy/efficiency? That’s the way current cars are built, isn’t it? In today’s automobiles, every component and system is interrelated, so if one system fails, it could have a ripple effect on a number of others.

How a bad manifold affects fuel efficiency is explained here. When the exhaust manifold is clogged, exhaust fumes cannot exit the vehicle and are instead returned to the engine. This causes the engine to work harder than it normally would..

The engine now uses more gasoline and requires more oil to be clean since it is working too hard. In other words, your car’s fuel economy will suffer if it consumes “more” fuel than it needs.

5. Burning Smell From The Engine Bay

When something goes wrong in the exhaust system, dangerous gases are returned to the engine, where they are overheated and subsequently released into the environment. As a result of the engine’s excessive “heating up,” these gases would emit a noxious odor.

Check the engine and its surrounding components first if you notice a burning smell emanating from your engine bay; if everything appears to be in order, your exhaust manifold could be the source of the problem.

6. Random Performance Issues

That sluggishness in your car’s performance is a good hint to examine the exhaust, as well as other key sections of your vehicle, like the engine.

On newer cars, a loose manifold can cause a variety of unexpected performance concerns. If the manifold is broken or the manifold gasket is the problem, you should replace the manifold or patch the gasket. Manifold quality has a significant impact on engine performance.

How To Clean A Clogged Exhaust Manifold?

Next, unblock the manifold, if your troubleshooting or inspection revealed it was clogged. In order to remove the clogs from your car’s exhaust manifold, you should hire a mechanic. Here’s how to do it on your own, if you’d rather.

Step 1: Locate the manifold

Find out where your car’s exhaust manifold is located. In most cases, you’ll find it in the engine compartment. You can find the location of your car’s exhaust manifold in your owner’s manual.

Step 2: Wear safty gear

Protect yourself with a face mask and gloves before removing the manifold from its place.

Step 3: Clean the manifold

Using a lubricating spray solvent, clean the manifold and then the interior and outside of the vehicle. Ensure that the manifold is free of debris by cleaning it thoroughly.

Step 4: Install the manifold back

Reinstall the manifold gently and shut the engine compartment after you’re sure it’s clean and clear of clogs. If you see any of the foregoing symptoms, you may have a clogged exhaust manifold.

Final Thoughts

Clogged manifolds can cause the following symptoms: loss of power, noxious gases and burning smell, high fuel consumption as well as loud noises. This is the most conclusive evidence.

The exhaust manifold of your car can be cleaned by you, but it’s better left to a mechanic.