Dodge Ram 4.7 Exhaust Manifold Leak (Beginners Guide)

The Dodge Ram exhaust manifold is an indispensable component that handles the conversion of toxic gases.

Hence, it becomes a huge problem when the exhaust manifold begins to leak and release harmful gases into the environment. Now, what could be the reason for this?

The exhaust manifold begins to leak when there are cracks, and this happens due to thermal stress. An exhaust manifold leak can also occur when the manifold gaskets fail, and the mounting studs break completely. 

What are the Reasons for an Exhaust Manifold Leak? 

Exhaust manifolds play an essential role in your engine by detoxifying harmful gases and enabling the proper functioning of your vehicle.

But, admittedly, exhaust manifolds are often prone to intense heat. 

Also, they are prone to immense expansion and contraction as the manifolds heat up and cool down.

When this process occurs repeatedly, the manifolds become weak and wear off. If this continues, the manifolds begin to develop cracks leading to leaks. 

Another major reason for the leak lies within the exhaust manifold gasket. The gasket settles between the exhaust manifold and the engine block.

The gasket seals the little space between the manifold and the engine block. Hence, the gasket is also subject to substantial heat, expansion, and contraction. 

When the gasket fails due to wear and tear, it begins to leak and cause serious problems.

When the exhaust manifold leaks, hot exhaust gases do not exit the exhaust pipe.

Instead, the gases pass under the hood and spread to other engine components. And it’s one of the significant reasons for overheating in your vehicle’s engine. 

The release of the gases through the wrong channel causes a lot of damage to the plastic parts in the engine bay.

It can also threaten your health, especially when the exhaust gases infiltrate your vehicle’s cabin. Furthermore, it will affect your engine performance drastically. 

When your exhaust manifold suffers severe cracks and leaks, the rear pressure in your exhaust system will be erroneous.

This anomaly can lead to several problems which will affect your engine.

These problems include a reduction in engine power, sputtering, overheating, and speed reduction. In the worst-case scenario, your engine might fail to function completely. 

Plus, you may not pass emissions testing due to the numerous problems you might encounter.

Hence, inspecting your vehicle thoroughly and regularly to detect these problems on time is best. 

How do I Fix the Exhaust Manifold Leak? 

Fixing the exhaust manifold leak in your vehicle is no easy feat as it requires time and skills.

Nevertheless, the following steps will guide you through fixing the leaks neatly and effectively. 

#1. Step 1

Locate the faulty exhaust manifold gaskets and replace them carefully. To do this, utilize a socket wrench and wrench set to peel off the manifold.

Furthermore, you might need to replace the doughnut gasket, which latches the exhaust pipe connected to the manifold. 

The doughnut gasket is usually prone to motion and includes carbon which functions as a lubricant.

Hence, you will have to replace it as it wears off due to constant activity. 

#2. Step 2 

Carefully examine the flange at the point the exhaust manifold bolts to your engine.

If the gasket is not present when you want to remove the manifold, you don’t need to panic.

However, if a leak develops on the manifold, you can consult a professional automobile shop to resurface the exhaust manifold face.

Furthermore, you can utilize an aftermarket gasket together with the resurfacing.

Although the exhaust manifold may be in good condition, the head’s mating exterior could be damaged.

However, the new aftermarket exhaust manifold gasket will rectify this dilemma.

#3. Step 3

Carefully extract the manifolds that have undergone severe cracks and repair them thoroughly.

Alternatively, you can remove them and fix new parts. Nevertheless, you can reinstall the manifolds immediately after you repair them. 

It’s advisable to always inspect your vehicle before proceeding to fix the manifolds.

The reason is that the problems could be from the gaskets or somewhere else. In addition, you might cause damage to a different component unintentionally.

So, it’s best to schedule an exhaust manifold repair with your dealership to rid yourself of unnecessary problems. 

Signs of an Exhaust Manifold Leak? 

The exhaust manifold encounters leaks over time due to wear and tear. Sometimes, car owners do not discover the leaks on time, and it causes considerable damage.

Notwithstanding, with the signs below, you can easily identify leaks on time and resolve them instantly. 

#1. An Unusual Loud Noise

The exhaust gases and noise often erupt instantly off the engine at high velocities.

When the exhaust manifold gasket cracks, exhaust gases trickle in through the sealing between the engine and the exhaust manifold.

This process leads to a loud whack or banging noise whenever the cylinders ignite. 

#2. Burning Odor 

You might begin to observe this sign when you unlock the engine bay following an abrupt drive.

You may detect a horrible smell of burnt plastic, engine oil, or rubber.

Although the manifolds are cast iron, they contain plastic or rubber components that burn when they undergo overheating. 

#3. Poor Fuel Economy 

When you keep hitting the gas station frequently for refills, the problems might be from your exhaust manifold.

When there’s a leak, you lose fuel constantly, which leads to overheating in your engine.

So you might want to check your exhaust manifolds before going for another refill. 

#4. Weak Acceleration

This sign indicates an exhaust manifold leak. You might notice that your vehicle is not accelerating due to a lack of power.

Furthermore, your car may not accelerate as fast as before. Plus, you might have to push the gas pedal frequently to achieve movement.

#5. Failed Emission Test 

If you fail to complete an emission test, it’s an additional crucial indicator of an exhaust manifold leak.

If your automobile fails the emission criteria, the technician must examine if the failure results from an exhaust manifold leak or different exhaust problems.

Also Read: Dodge Ram Door Interchange (Beginners Guide)

How Much Does it Cost to Repair an Exhaust Manifold of my Dodge Ram 4.7? 

Repairing the Dodge Ram exhaust manifold costs between $800 and $900 for parts and labor.

Well, if you decide to do the repairs yourself, you’ll spend about $20-$40, and this depends on the extent of the damage.

Plus, it depends on the year and model of your vehicle as repairing some parts could be quite expensive. 

Nevertheless, you’ll spend less money and save some cash if you repair the leaks yourself.

Furthermore, if you decide to replace the entire exhaust manifold, you’ll have to spend between $469 and $673.

Labor costs are between $188-$238; meanwhile, parts are priced between $280-$435. 

You can schedule an exhaust manifold replacement at your dealership for an affordable price.

However, it’s best to replace your exhaust manifold when it has undergone complete damage to avoid further problems. 

However, some exhaust manifold parts can be expensive, so you must plan carefully.

If the costs exceed your budget, it’s advisable to opt for repairs. Notwithstanding, if the costs fit into your budget, you can replace your exhaust manifold.

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Final Thoughts

Although the Dodge Ram 4.7 exhaust manifold suffers leaks due to wear and tear, you can easily fix this dilemma.

Furthermore, you must inspect your vehicle thoroughly and observe the signs to fix any problems.