Think I have an exhaust manifold leak

[twinboat]

I have a 2017 E450, 2 valve V10 that I think has an ehxaust leak. It just started ticking for a minute or 2 after startup, but never when warmed up.

I'm going to check it out on Tuesday, I haven't checked for missing bolts or anything yet.

I'm just asking if anybody has done one and how much it sucks to do it.

[theoldwizard]

It sucks ! Pay the man !

[spyderRV]

My 1999 is missing several, quiet so far, fingers crossed. Hopefully quieter than the "missing" cat converter!

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by theoldwizard

It sucks ! Pay the man !

Thanks, I was " the man " 15 years and 100 lbs ago.

I just hate paying people for shabby work.

[sbleiweiss]

After you change it, check for back pressure. A clogged cat can cause the exhaust manifold(s) to leak and you can't check it while they are leaking. Ask me how I know.

[ChrisDParise]

There is a thread out there on replacing exhaust manifold bolts/studs. I found the job expensive, much more than others paid, but I have confidence it was done right with the right parts and btw had new Ford manifold put on doubling the cost.
2005 2 valve V10

[jaydee325]

Twinboat,

I'm probably preaching to the choir here but if you're going to the trouble to remove and replace the manifolds, I suggest going with tubular headers and a free flow cat back exhaust.

I had exhaust manifolds start leaking on an F-53 chassis with the old 460 Ford engine within warranty. However, just out of warranty, the header/cross over pipe got so hot that the pipe deformed at the exhaust manifold flange. Of course just out of warranty! Ford came through on a good will adjustment and put in a new pipe. I then corrected the issue for good by putting on a large diameter Flowmaster exhaust system and enjoyed reduced heat input to the cabin.

Good luck.

[ChrisDParise]

My mechanic suggested headers as an option with the pros and cons. On Class C heat is a problem which can be mitigated somewhat by ceramic coating. Another con presented was potential gasket maintenance.
Better performance, yes. My solution is a tuner.
Didn't want to risk any of the cons

[Russ Silber]

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

My mechanic suggested headers as an option with the pros and cons. On Class C heat is a problem which can be mitigated somewhat by ceramic coating. Another con presented was potential gasket maintenance.
Better performance, yes. My solution is a tuner.
Didn't want to risk any of the cons

Had both sides done. Find a mechanic that works on Ford trucks, can go easy or very hard if studs need to be drilled out.
Mine went fine. I'm in Melbourne FL. Excellent work both sides with new Ford studs and gaskets. 600 bucks worth every penny. 1999 F53 Dutch Star.

[ChrisDParise]

Originally Posted by Russ Silber

Had both sides done. Find a mechanic that works on Ford trucks, can go easy or very hard if studs need to be drilled out.
Mine went fine. I'm in Melbourne FL. Excellent work both sides with new Ford studs and gaskets. 600 bucks worth every penny. 1999 F53 Dutch Star.Attachment 391169

Nice rig. I can tell you take care of it.

I had both sides done last fall.

My shop runs a heavy lift wrecker service north of Chicago and they service their own vehicles, are certified techs, have the Ford service software and support from a local Ford Truck Service center.

All Ford OEM parts.

A lot more than $600 but I think the Class C is alot harder to get to both sides. Over a day of labor.

[code2e]

A suggestion I would make regardless of doing this job yourself or hiring it done. There will be some broken bolts, almost a given. I would visit the coach at least daily and spray all fasteners with PB Blaster or your choice of similar penetrants. Give time for it to leach down the threads and dissolve rust. Will make someone's job easier and your bill cheaper. Good luck.

[Russ Silber]

Sprayed for two days some came out with needle nose vise grip most no problem

[tiffy2000]

I had both sides done last year, started out with 1 broken stud 5 years ago and never leaked, started squealing last year at times , I think 6 broken studs/nuts. Garage spent 10 hrs on it , he welded washers and nuts onto the broken studs and finally got all of them , $1250

[ChrisDParise]

Originally Posted by tiffy2000

I had both sides done last year, started out with 1 broken stud 5 years ago and never leaked, started squealing last year at times , I think 6 broken studs/nuts. Garage spent 10 hrs on it , he welded washers and nuts onto the broken studs and finally got all of them , $1250

About the same here. On a Class C. 7 or 8 broken out of 20. I did have new manifolds put on which added to the parts and labor.