TimC300

I came to the realization the passenger side exhaust manifold probably has a leak, can hear a loud ticking while driving and up close it sounds like a moped muffler sound in the engine bay. I'm guessing part of the gasket corroded away and blew out creating a leak.

I'm wondering what the exhaust manifold is made out of? I wasn't about to spend over $300 for a new one so I bought a used one (2721402209) for $20 from an AZ salvage yard, looks in much better condition that my New England rusted one. I want to clean it but not sure what material it is. I made the mistake of cleaning my brake calipers with a wire brush and now they are rusting, I guess there was a coating on them I probably took off. Are the manifolds aluminum, can I just use a polish to clean them up where the gasket goes? Im worried they may have a coating of some sort and dont want to take it off.

I thought it would be an inexpensive job but its adding up with the new hardware needed. This is not a job I really want to do, but figure it has to get done.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Have you put a magnet to it?

TimC300

I havent received it yet, just bought it earlier today off ebay. I put a magnet on the ones in the car and it sticks great. I shouldn't have said aluminum since obviously im seeing rust on mine at the flanges and welds.

I dont want to get the sos pads out only it having some type of coating or finish and I take it off and it immediately rusts out. The inside looks great from the photos so I shouldnt have to do anything in there. Just want to clean up where the gasket seats basically.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

They look like they are iron. Steel wool or a Scotch pad should do the trick.

TimC300

I received the exhaust manifold today and will say it is in very good condition. Paid $38.50 total for it. Got this one specifically because I zoomed in the photos and all the joints/welds looked really good and clean and the threads for the 2 bolts at the cat looked clean and shiny making me think it was recently removed and they arent stripped.

Im guessing it is stainless steel. I cleaned it with dish soap and a sponge first, then laid it in the sink and sprayed it down inside and out with oven cleaner. The oven cleaner I have says safe on stainless and cast iron, Its just cheap stuff from the Dollar store that has sodium hydroxide in it. Seemed to remove some of the carbon inside the manifold. washed and dried it.

Then I got out the Meguiars Ultimate compound and foam applicator pad and polished it up. Came out pretty good. Still have to hit some areas. Want to clean it the best I can so i can see if theres any defects before putting it on, plus I just like cleaning stuff.

I think its the gasket that is leaking in the car and can probably reinstall the manifold, but for the low price id rather install this one.








I think it is leaking here:

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Looks nice. You may want to paint it with high temp manifold paint to keep it from rusting.

TimC300

I searched around for photos of what a brand new one looks like, how it comes originally. Wondering if it is all shiny but cannot find anything. It cleaned up really well, should outlast the the life left on the car im thinking. I just wanted to clean the gasket area but it turned out to be very easy to clean.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

You do understand, don't you, that you must now do the other side, or the engine won't run right?

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Makes you want to buy up old parts and eBay just to clean them up!