96 V-8 exhuast leak question.

[N2FORD]

Is a gasket leak or cracked header common on these trucks? I just bought this and it has an exhuast leak sound. Wanted to know which to start with. TIA

 

[Joey P]

Yes, exhaust leak at the header to block and cracked headers is common. It's probably coming from the passenger side. I would start with new gaskets first. You can go with Percy's dead soft aluminum gaskets and that should stop that leak fast. Unless it is a cracked header, you'll need to take the header out and get it welded or replace the header.

 

[N2FORD]

Thanks for the reply.

 

[james t]

Yes, exhaust leak at the header to block and cracked headers is common. It's probably coming from the passenger side. I would start with new gaskets first. You can go with Percy's dead soft aluminum gaskets and that should stop that leak fast. Unless it is a cracked header, you'll need to take the header out and get it welded or replace the header.

Yup, what he said. Its prolly just the gasket.

 

[bmacd]

i have the same problem...can anybody type or show me a how-to process for replacing the gasket ? Is this something i'm going to be able to accomplish in a weekend?

-=bmacd=-

 

[tankhokie]

bmacd,

simple, just take the exhaust manifold bolts off, remove the manifold, replace gasket with a new one, tighten down bolts to spec....

UNFORTUNATLY, you will need a box of bandaids for all the busted knuckles as you will be doing this in a VERY confined space. The drivers side is a bit easier than the passenger side in my opinion, just start taking stuff off (remembering to connect it later) so that you can get to the bolts that hold the manifold on the block.

it is possible to do this in a day if you have the tools and gasket in hand. of course if this depends on your skill with a wrench also.

hope that helps...i would buy the chiltons or haynes repair manual as it will come in handy in more than just this repair.

 

[timmac06]

You might want to look at the egr tube ford part# f77z-9d477-ab. It's made out of thin metal and are known to break."mine did" You will need a 1-1/8 wrench. I had to modify the wrench to work. It's real easy to do, but hard to get your hads on.