Exhaust Manifold

[moofish75]

Hey there. Long time no write. At any rate, I just had my 03 expy in the shop to have the air bag sensor and passenger door actuator replaced ($540) and they are telling me that my manifold on passengers side needs replaced b/c it's leaking. I can hear some noise coming out of it if I stand on that side of the truck, but not horrible sounding. 2 questions, Should I be concerned and get this replaced immediately (~$700 at dealership b/c 5 hours labor) or should I not concern myself with it and attempt it myself? I'm pretty handy with replacing parts and what not. $700 seems like a lot of cash to me to replace it. Thoughts?

 

[Randy]

I had a similar sounding noise when I took my 2000 Expy into the shop. The 1st mechanic listened with the stethoscope and said the noise was definitely coming from the passenger side head - talking big $$$ for repairs when, thankfully, another mechanic walked up and said - check the PCV valve, sounds like it's stuck.
YES!!! That what was making the noise. I'd much rather pay six bucks for a fix than get stuck with $600.00 any day.

 

[97expy]

I would personally check the manifold for a crack or if bolts are missing. These vehicles have high probability to break off a couple bolts in the head causing the exhaust leak.

 

[AvroAero]

If you can and want to buy headers with it instead and install yourself. MAY cost a bit more in parts depending. If you can, and want to.

 

[blown87notch]

My local shop qouted me 2 hours to do the job, mine had two broken studs on the back. The parts cost me around $5 total from the stealership and it took my around 4 hours to do. I wouldn't pay that much for it. If you look ill bet the two rear studs are broken off.