I changed out my manifold gasket and exhaust on my 04 4.0 a couple weekends ago. Ran great for about a week. Decided to change the plugs this last Sunday. Ever since then it sounds like I have an exhaust leak. Not sure why changing the plugs would effect this. Maybe just a coincidence. Anyways, is it safe to assume I probably have an exhaust leak around the manifold area? It’s hard to pin point. I changed the plugs out a second time to see if that was the issue but still there. It’s worse in the morning on my way into work. Idles fine. Can hear a faint tick while idling though. I can feel a slight vibration in my pedal while driving on highway and can hear tick. Performance seems regular. Probably going to have to take manifolds off again.
Exhaust leak?
- Thread starter 04RubiOR
- Start date
You might want to give the exhaust manifold a good look for any cracks, very common for it to be worse when it's cold until they expand from heat and close up.
That gasket is a pain in the ass and is probably leaking or is cracked and it happening after you changed the plugs would be a coincidence.
It could be worse in the morning because the engine is cold, once is heats up everything swells and the leak is reduced.
To make sure you get it all tightened properly, I highly recommend removing the front fender, takes about 30 minutes, so you have much better access to all the manifold bolts.
It could be worse in the morning because the engine is cold, once is heats up everything swells and the leak is reduced.
To make sure you get it all tightened properly, I highly recommend removing the front fender, takes about 30 minutes, so you have much better access to all the manifold bolts.
Yup removing the front fender makes all the difference in the world. I’ll be pulling off the manifolds again. Damn!
Shatto
TJ Enthusiast
Did I Read Wrong?
Changed gaskets .... everything fine.
Changed plugs .... runs like crap.
I know .... check the tires!
Changed gaskets .... everything fine.
Changed plugs .... runs like crap.
I know .... check the tires!
greenliftedtj97
TJ Enthusiast
Did you double check the collectors where the exhaust bolts to the manifold? Maybe the bolts loosened up?
That was my first initial thought as the ticking noise seems to be coming from that area. Ripped the fender off yesterday to get access to them. Not the easiest bolts to get a wrench on. I noticed that all bolts were tight, but they weren’t evenly tightened down if that makes since. But I tried to tighten them down so the ends were flush, just couldn’t do it. I can post a picture when I get home.
The right side sits a little lower than the left. Could that much of a difference cause a issue?
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I doubt it, but you could loosen the tight side and tighten the other side to even it out. Couldn't hurt.
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