Exhaust manifold problem?

[saintsokwitit]

I have a leak near the bottom of the exhaust manifold where all 6 pipes come together. I went by exhaust shop to see if it could be welded up and the guy said it couldn't and that I would have to buy a new exhaust manifold or header for it. He also said that it would cost $850.00 because the intake manifold would have to be pulled to get to the exhaust manifold. He told me the intake manifold and exhaust manifold are all the same piece. Can someone please tell me if this guy is blowing smoke up my ass or what? It's a 1991 wrangle 4.0L man transmission.

 

[Sparky-Watts]

My understanding is that this is a common problem with the earlier 4.0 engines. Talk with a Jeep dealership to see if they'll help you out on it. I don't know if it was actually a recall item or not, but I've talked to a few people that have had the dealerships replace them or fix them for free.

 

[saintsokwitit]

I have a hard time believing a dealership would replace a part that has 110, 000 miles on it though. I really didn't want to spend that kind of money because I would like to change out the motor in a year or so.

 

[yjdave]

Get a new one either buy a aftermaket header $$$ or there are some one ebay (the one's w/ fins) that actually hold up good. They're only like 60.00 plus s/h. Put it on your self or find a shop that knows what there doing. 850.00 is crack head prices. He is right though that the intake and exhaust come off and go on the same time.

 

[Roundlights]

Had this problem twice with two different rigs now.

You can find a manifold online for $119. or like YJ said, Ebay. It is a stainless steel aftermarket vs. the cast original. They have these funny little "flex" points on them that is supposed to counter the original design flaw, which was too much flex right at the bolts.

That mechanic is going with a factory replacement more than likely, which will only crack again. That is making up $4-$500 of the %850 you were quoted. It was a design flaw that was never corrected & was not "officially" acknowledged. There is/was a class action lawsuit out of California as this is a HUGE issue with 91-97 4.0's. I have since lost the link as I do not have that rig anymore.

I had several shops quote me around 300 to put in the aftermarket one. You do need to remove the intake as it is all mounted together.

My advice is go with the cheapo depot aftermarket. Worked well for me. Even if you have to replace it again in another 70K miles its still just the cost of the one you were quoted.

Actually I just searched, here is the link:
http://www.carpartstoyourdoor.com/

$119 with the gasket & free shipping.

Boom, $400 and you problem is gone!!

 

[Roundlights]

Sorry, one other point I forgot.

Jeep is responsible if the vehicle has I think it was under 80,000 miles, or less than 5 years old under federal emmission laws.

In other words Jeep aint gonna do squat for ya. Unless you gather a ton of information, and names of others and get the media involved!!

 

[jeepguy46176]

If you get a manifold from ebay and a haynes manual from autozone you can do it yourslef for 100 bucks or so. It really isnt that hard of a job. Only takes a few hours taking your time. The manual pretty much walks you through it.

 

[currupt4130]

The intake manifold doesnt HAVE to be pulled to do it, it makes it easier, but they are two SEPERATE pieces. They bolt to the SAME area on the engine block.

 

[lngrn36]

has anyone used one of these manifolds on EBay?
Actually I just searched, here is the link:
http://www.carpartstoyourdoor.com/

$119 with the gasket & free shipping.

Boom, $400 and you problem is gone!!

 

[mcgrnr0013]

ha does anyone know where i can find a header for a 4.2l for less than 250 bucks?

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Replacing the exhaust manifold is a no brainer. They all crack due to heat & flex. Notice the flex joints in the manifold that that is in this ebay link; they help with the flex but are not a cure all. $73.81 delivered to your door and a Saturday afternoon and the job is done. Once you do one you can get the time down to an hour and a half or less. Time to turn some wrenches.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Exhaust-Manifold-Jeep-Wrangler-99-98-97-95-94-93-92-91-Cherokee-Car-4883385-/250913149079?fits=Year:1991|Make:Jeep|Model:Wrangler&hash=item3a6b96d097&item=250913149079&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr