Fluid from exhaust header

Post by **FireFox31** » 06 Oct 2022, 23:03

Poor Geronimo has fluid leaking from its exhaust header. It almost looks like cylinder 4 has a tiny gap between the header and block, exposing the block's exhaust hole. Yet, the car sounds quiet at idle. Cylinder 3 had a bad coil for months so maybe this is unburned gas (but it appears centered on cylinder 4). An O2 sensor has failed, so could that also cause unburned gas?

What do you think this fluid is? Could the exhaust manifold have shifted away from the block to allow fluid to leak, yet not be loud? Thanks.

Post by **scot850** » 06 Oct 2022, 23:23

I know you did a load of work on this car but can't remember all you did on it. Did you clean out the PCV system? Try removing the spark plug cover plate and look and see if oil is leaking on top of the head, usual suspects are the catch tank to between cylinder #2 and #3? pipe that runs up the front of the block. This can become detached or split and leak oil, or just go hard and stop sealing. The leaking oil eventually works its way across the head and leaks down through a cut-out at the back of the head just about where the fluid is. The oil filler seal leaking is another suspect.

Have to comment on how hard your East coast weather is on the car and its metal! Wow!

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Oct 2022, 05:55

Touch paper to it and sniff for oil, coolant l or water

I’m thinking you have a pinhole in the water pipe

It’s not fuel. I can tell with my mass spec eyes from your photo.

Post by **Chuck W** » 07 Oct 2022, 06:16

abscate wrote: ↑07 Oct 2022, 05:55 Touch paper to it and sniff for oil, coolant l or water

I’m thinking you have a pinhole in the water pipe

It’s not fuel. I can tell with my mass spec eyes from your photo.

Yeah...after seeing that coolant pipe, I'd have to agree with you.

Post by **FireFox31** » 07 Oct 2022, 07:42

Thanks, I'll check. The coolant pipe looks a little wet. I assumed it was dripping down from the exhaust. Thanks to abscate stripping my old car, I have a used pipe to install some day.

The coolant level has been overfilled for a year and 4000 miles. If it's losing coolant, it's dropping really slowly.

Post by **scot850** » 07 Oct 2022, 17:02

Have to disagree, looks like engine oil, but until you can check and see we will all be waiting on tender hooks!

Neil.

Post by **BlackBart** » 07 Oct 2022, 20:19

Yeah, I would guess fuel or water would evaporate immediately with the heat.

Post by **abscate** » 08 Oct 2022, 02:14

This badly required a poll at 0400 this morning…

Post by **FireFox31** » 21 Jan 2023, 07:30

I suspect that the failed motor mounts are allowing vibration, causing the exhaust manifold to shake loose. I can see the engine shaking at idle. Does that sound possible?

I'd like to remove the exhaust manifold, check it for flatness, and install it with new bolts and gasket. I'd like to replace the coolant pipe at the same time. Would it help to pull the right axle and do this work from below? Can you share any tips for removing horribly rusted exhaust manifold bolts?

I smell exhaust in the cabin when stopped at a light for 30 seconds. I also smell burning from the hood (when closed) in the front right corner (might be belts or something). I haven't worked on the car in a while so have to check the status of the leak.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 21 Jan 2023, 07:51

Those exhaust bolts will be tough. You may have several twist off when you try to remove them. I suggest torch heat, wire brush on the threads, penetrating oil, more heat, attempts to loosen and then tighten a little at a time, and repeat. The small leak may be better than the fix.
volvolugnut

Fluid from exhaust header

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Fluid from exhaust header