Exhaust Manifold Leak

[NE18]

I have a very minor exhaust leak at the manifold on cylinder 1. Dealer quoted me $1200 for both banks. Unsure where the exhaust leak is on the other side but, is this a decent price? Also, can any serious issues arise from letting this operate for another 20,000 miles? I’m nervous to attempt myself because I know I’m going to have a bolt break. Thanks.

[CamGTP]

It's probably about right. The parts are cheap but you are going to be paying like 4-5 hours in labor to do all of that. They have to remove each manifold to replace the gaskets, which also involves unbolting the y-pipe from the exhaust manifolds. Labor rates at dealerships around here are nearly $200 an hour or more.

 

Smaller independent shops charge way less in labor just so you know, going to a dealership would be my last option to be honest. I few smaller shops around me charge 50-70 a hours less than the dealer, that's a lot of money on a 4 or 5 hour job.

 

But if the exhaust leak is minor and isn't causing any actual running issues, it's probably not a huge deal right now.

Edited September 2, 2024 by CamGTP

[rav3]

See if any of your exhaust bolts have snapped off. Usually the front or rear one does. They make a device to bolt on to the block that has a jack screw to push against that area that's leaking due to broken bolt. Several videos on YouTube showing how to do it. Just guessing that is the case