06 XC70 Exhaust manifold leak question

Post by **scot850** » 27 Feb 2020, 07:54

The dealer says there is a manifold gasket leak on the exhaust side. My experience of a gasket leak like that is a 'chuffing' noise or ticking, particularly when cold. It has had this identified for close to 2 years and yet it has not shown any worsening. I still think there may be a muffler issue to the rear of the car, but not at the front.

The dealer wants close to $1900 CDN to do the repair for which $500 is parts. High cost is because they say they need to pull the angle gear to get access on an AWD. Is this true or can this job be done without pulling everything other than maybe the turbo and manifold?

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Feb 2020, 08:45

You probably have to pull the angle gear to pull the exhaust manifold , correct

Is there enough stud available to double nut the studs on the offending port, pull the studs, Ease the manifold form top, and slip a new gasket in ? Might depend which cylinder it is on

Post by **- Pete -** » 27 Feb 2020, 08:53

Is it heard initially upon cold start & then dissipates? Our 06 was the same way. I just left it, seeing as once warm it was inaudible & the car made the appropriate amount of boost for a LPT. Seems like a lotta money to throw at an otherwise asymptomatic & harmless noise. We drove ours for 25-30k that way before selling it, it always sounded exactly the same, never any worse or better.

Pulling the angle gear really isn’t that bad. If you’re pretty handy & are physically able, I wouldn’t hesitate to do the job myself. But like you said, it’s a good amount of monkey business to quiet a little puffer.

Edit: what I would do if it was mine, is wait til you have a real need to pull the angle gear. Then reassess. I doubt the parts to right it are over $50-60.

Post by **scot850** » 27 Feb 2020, 09:37

No noise heard at all. That is why I am somewhat sceptical it even exists. I think there is a leak somewhere else towards the back but they could not find it.

I am currently sidelined with a trapped nerve and no garage. If it stays this way it can wait until shop hopefully gets built this summer with a hoist.

Thanks for replies.

Neil.

Post by **vtl** » 27 Feb 2020, 09:38

Need to drop angle gear to reach lower manifold bolts.

$1900 is insane, can do it over weekend.

Parts are expensive, but some of them can be ignored/reused (bolts/nuts for strut, propeller shaft, AG, etc). Manifold studs are very expensive, they can break, leave it on your our discretion, but nuts must be new.

Post by **vtl** » 27 Feb 2020, 09:39

People drive for years with the gaskets leaking, it can wait till summer for sure.

On all 3 P2s I've had these gaskets were leaking, or even cracked/broken.

Post by **oragex** » 27 Feb 2020, 10:33

Could it rather be the flex downpipe ? I would be cautious with dealer's suggestions. Some are honest, others will exaggerate

Post by **- Pete -** » 27 Feb 2020, 10:53

And no fumes in the car?

I’d definitely expect something your ear could pick up if they’ve said it’s absolutely an exhaust manifold gasket leak. I certainly wouldn’t tear all that stuff apart just to have a peek.

If there’s no faults being produced, no fumes in the cab, I don’t think I would pursue it.

There could be a leak after the cat. That’s pretty minor though, if that’s the case. Resonators & mufflers/hangers rot out pretty good. Flex joint could be a possibility too I spose. The SS Chinese finger trap falls apart & is nothing to worry about, but the inner accordion looking flexible part is what you would be concerned with if it had a hole.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Feb 2020, 11:31

- Pete - wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 10:53 And no fumes in the car?

I’d definitely expect something your ear could pick up if they’ve said it’s absolutely an exhaust manifold gasket leak. I certainly wouldn’t tear all that stuff apart just to have a peek.

If there’s no faults being produced, no fumes in the cab, I don’t think I would pursue it.

There could be a leak after the cat. That’s pretty minor though, if that’s the case. Resonators & mufflers/hangers rot out pretty good. Flex joint could be a possibility too I spose. The SS Chinese finger trap falls apart & is nothing to worry about, but the inner accordion looking flexible part is what you would be concerned with if it had a hole.

Whats the function of that anyway? Strain relief on the accordion?

The Orange Mountain car has the finger trap pretty much gone, rest of exhaust manifold looks ok.

Post by **- Pete -** » 27 Feb 2020, 11:53

I’m not completely certain, but I assume it helps some with dissipating heat in the area? As well as maybe adding some life to the actual flex joint within perhaps? There’s a guy in SC that makes very nice DP’s & I’ve seen some he’s done that have NO Chinese finger trap. They are very attractive pipes. $550 catless & $650 catted.

Seeing as it’s so close (~2”?) to the front CV on the driveshaft I’d hope it helps with heat dissipation anyway.

Edit: our 283k one has it almost gone too. I just replaced the V70R DP & it was just starting to deteriorate.