The exhaust manifold is generally made using a solid piece of metal, but it’s not impervious to damage. If there is a leak in the exhaust manifold, you will be able notice some of the following signs –

1.Burning Smells – If you start smelling an unpleasant smell of burning plastic or rubber upon lifting the hood after a drive, this is an indication of a malfunctioning exhaust manifold. This is because damaged manifolds don’t transfer heat like they are designed to, and this will result in gasket damage and compounding exhaust leaks.

2.Performance Problems – Another commonly observed symptom of exhaust manifold damage is slow or sudden loss of power during acceleration. You may also notice that your vehicle doesn’t take off from a stop sign like it used to before. This is because of a loose manifold or one with a damaged gasket having an adverse effect on acceleration power.

3.High Fuel Use – If the exhaust manifold is damaged and the exhaust doesn’t stay pressured properly, this will lead to a drop in the fuel efficiency. Not only will this cause the vehicle to burn more fuel for the same distance, but this will also cause a drop in power.

4.Loud Exhaust Noise – A hole or a lost gasket between any parts of the exhaust system will lead to a louder vehicle due to the escaping sound and pressure. However, manifold damage will create a particular hissing or tapping sound. These noises indicate that the vehicle’s engine isn’t holding proper combustion anymore and that the engine needs to be looked at by a mechanic.

5.Visible Damage – If you notice any crack in the metal or any other visible damage to the sides of the manifold, it could be a possible indication of a faulty exhaust manifold and needs to be checked out by a technician.