Exhaust Manifold Crack

[Gasman1979]

Hiya guys !!! Remember me ? I have a question I think I already know the answer to but I’ve learned these TJ’s are finicky bitches. I’m pretty sure I’ve developed the common exhaust manifold leak. It’s not huge but I’m pretty sure that’s the new undiagnosed noise from the nether regions on the engine bay. Here’s the question. Lately when I first crank the jeep it runs rough, doesn’t want to idle and usually takes a few good rips on the ol go faster peddle before it clears up and she runs right. I’ve replaced the entire fuel system from pump to injectors so I’m not really thinking leaking down fuel pressure or such. Could the crack in the manifold be causing the issue ? I’m gonna replace it regardless with a good quality aftermarket header (no for performance but for just a stronger sturdier part than the stock prone to crack manifold) but I’m curious if this will fix my cold engine idle issue or if I should be looking deeper. I’ve already scanned her and other than the same EVAP code it’s had since I bought it there’s no new codes. Just wondering what the brain trust here thinks.

 

[macleanflood]

When my 97 had a cracked exhaust header the only symptom was gas mileage in the 8-9 mph range.

None of the other symptoms you described.

Definitely fix it. I put a banks on mine...but I think if I had to do it again I'd find an Amazon or E-Bay cheapie and cut off the donut flange and replace it with v-band.

I'd do the v-band to my Banks but it would kill my lifetime warranty.

What are your O2 voltages ranging at?

-Mac

 

[Gasman1979]

When my 97 had a cracked exhaust header the only symptom was gas mileage in the 8-9 mph range.

None of the other symptoms you described.

Definitely fix it. I put a banks on mine...but I think if I had to do it again I'd find an Amazon or E-Bay cheapie and cut off the donut flange and replace it with v-band.

I'd do the v-band to my Banks but it would kill my lifetime warranty.

What are your O2 voltages ranging at?

-Mac

I’ll have to live data it later this evening to see. Fuel trims are really good. I didn’t pay much attention to the O2’s. I wouldn’t notice the fuel mileage cause it sucks already with the 4:56 gears and 32” tires.

 

[jeepguy03]

A header will also crack. You need the improved design with the "bellows" that allow for flexing. I bought a cheap stainless one on ebay and also added a downstream flex joint in the exhaust. Make sure your engine mounts are good as well. Been doing this improvement on XJs for years with the cracking manifolds and did it to my '98 TJ as well. Good so far.

 

[txbemis69]

my 06 has the banks header on it and with almost 20k miles since install. no cracks or any issues. kept the good factory exhaust manifold just in case.

 

[Gasman1979]

A header will also crack. You need the improved design with the "bellows" that allow for flexing. I bought a cheap stainless one on ebay and also added a downstream flex joint in the exhaust. Make sure your engine mounts are good as well. Been doing this improvement on XJs for years with the cracking manifolds and did it to my '98 TJ as well. Good so far.

This is what I needed to hear. Many thanks.

 

[OutdoorEd]

my 06 has the banks header on it and with almost 20k miles since install. no cracks or any issues. kept the good factory exhaust manifold just in case.

How do you like the Banks header. Does it make any noticeable difference to power or economy.

 

[DuckNut]

How do you like the Banks header. Does it make any noticeable difference to power or economy.

I have full Banks as well and yhe only thing it does is it makes the engine sound like it has more power.

 

[txbemis69]

How do you like the Banks header. Does it make any noticeable difference to power or economy.

there’s no difference in performance with the banks exhaust header and catback setup. just a slightly aggressive sound.