Dual Exhaust on my 97 Southwind

[Magnafique]

I recently purchased a Southwind 32V motor home. I need to check my exhaust manifold gaskets or donuts as I am getting noise from the engine area. I noticed that my exhaust system exits in front of the right rear wheel. It has two pipes coming out covered with a metal heat shield. Is this a stock setup??? So if I buy new gaskets should I get the metal ones with the heat shields. That is what is on it now. I just haven't has time to get this project started. I put new calipers on all four corners and new pads, the rotors looked great. My RV only has 25,000 miles on it. Thanks for any advice. Tom

[Nick-B]

Your exhaust sounds stock original. What engine do you have? Ford 460 or Chevy 454?

[saddlesore]

That sounds like a GM 454.
They have a habit of cracking the exhaust manifolds/breaking the manifold bolts if the driver does not let the engine cool off before shutting it down.
And IF it is indeed a GM drivetrain, be sure to inspect the wiring loom securement on the left frame rail next to the engine exhaust manifold.
If the loom or it's heat shielding gets loose the engine exhaust heat will fry the wiring inside.....bad bad boogie that!

[Magnafique]

It is a Ford 460 fuel injected engine. Can't believe I asked you if I should get exhaust manifold gaskets with the heat shields and didn't tell you that the engine is a 460 Ford. Thanks

Tom

[saddlesore]

The Ford engines are not quite as susceptible to manifold problems but they also will break,(for the same reason as the GM's) and do check the main wiring harness on the left frame rail.
Always go with the heat shielded parts, Like the man says... pay me now or pay me more later..

[Nick-B]

The 460 manifolds crack AND the rear manifold bolts often break off. The factory manifolds do not flow very well under heavy loads and the heat builds up and things start breaking. Headers are the best fix but not many options any more. At the very least you should go with a low restriction muffler and pipes.

[House Husband]

If you are hearing a tick, tick, tick from the exhaust, then it's one port leaking, not the donuts between the manifolds and header pipes. The rear bolt on the right manifold is world famous for breaking.

Richard