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Post by rsmith on Apr 18, 2006 14:46:54 GMT -5
Anyone had success replacing the leaky TJ exhaust manifold with anything else? I have heard that Borla makes a good replacement - is this true?
Do you have to remove the intake and everything to remove and replace the manifold? Thanks for you help in advance.
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Post by rccolacc on Apr 18, 2006 18:19:40 GMT -5
I put a Pacesetter header on my 4.0 XJ when the stock one cracked. I was pleased with it. I even noticed an improvement in gas mileage. I think I got it from JC Whitney or something. I think it was around $180 or so.
My dad and I installed it ourselves. You do have to take the intake off, as well as the power steering pump I believe. Be careful with the studs when you install yours. One of the studs broke when we were tightening the header down. It took 3 days to drill out and tap that stupid thing. Other than that it went smooth. If nothing breaks you could probably get it done in a day.
-RC
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Post by Busted Knuckle Racing on Apr 18, 2006 19:38:57 GMT -5
I took the header off my YJ and welded it. It is holding great so far. You may have a cast manifold, not sure, but my stock one was stainless tube. You do have to take off the manifold and its a pain. don't forget to replace the gasket while you are in there. the intake and exhaust gasket is all one piece. Mine was cracked where the two tubes join which is where most that I have seen have been cracked. I just welded the gap up between the two tubes to make it more rigid.  just do both sides... cost a little welding wire. |
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Post by jeepinman on Apr 18, 2006 21:47:48 GMT -5
I think mine is leaking too, but cant pin point it. I can hear a small leak but cant find it. Must be common on a tj.
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Post by jeepchipjones on Apr 18, 2006 22:43:11 GMT -5
very common
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Post by rsmith on Apr 19, 2006 7:09:25 GMT -5
I can't pinpoint mine either. I think it is in the collector where the pipes come together. Brad I like how you welded the pipes together. I may give that a shot. Why does the TJ manifold/header have what looks like a spring in one of the pipes? Will the manifold break down on pieces? It seems to me if this is the case then that is potential for leaks.
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Post by jeepchipjones on Apr 19, 2006 7:37:09 GMT -5
The routing of the pipe is what causes the most problems, b/c it runs towards the rear of the vehicle and then loops back forward, then all the way around the oil pan before heading back towards the rear again. This causes a very awkward moment in the movement of the pipe, kind of like a "low spot" where theres more weight than support, and since the mounts are all rubber bushings, when they start wearing out, the movement increases and therefore causes cracks in this weak point... at least thats my theory on it. best thing to do is add extra support and weld it up like brad did, but you will more than likely still get leaks, but maybe only pinhole leaks instead of cracks. i have yet to be able to get all my tiny holes filled up and i have tried a few times.
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Post by rccolacc on Apr 20, 2006 13:59:47 GMT -5
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Post by rsmith on Apr 21, 2006 17:50:35 GMT -5
I think this is what the stocker looks like. It is only $89. Why are the two outside pipes joined with those spring looking things? I really like the looks and price of that Borla knock off. Thanks for the help.  (OE I think)  Borla imitation - $119.00 |
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Post by Busted Knuckle Racing on Apr 21, 2006 19:49:46 GMT -5
Jeep tried to solve the problem by sticking those flex sections in there. not sure what years had them.. mine doesn't so it must be a tj thing.
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Post by jeepchipjones on Apr 24, 2006 21:15:12 GMT -5
my 99 didnt have those things on it
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Post by broncocraigellis on Apr 24, 2006 22:35:41 GMT -5
definitely a good price on the Borla knock-off. is it made of stainless as well?
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Post by jeepchipjones on Apr 25, 2006 10:36:06 GMT -5
i read the thread on it and it seems like a good option. my borla is made from ss and it even cracked, but it was due to excess vibration from a loose bracket...
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Post by broncocraigellis on Apr 25, 2006 13:21:35 GMT -5
Chip, imagine that...a loose bracket on your Jeep! Seems impossible  |
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Post by rsmith on May 1, 2006 8:09:40 GMT -5
I welded up my exhaust manifold this weekend. It was a pretty good job pulling the intake and getting to all of the bolts. Jeepinman, you had mentioned that your leak was hard to find and mine was as well. It was in between the two pipes a couple of inches above the collector. It was impossible to get fingers up in there to find the leak. Brad I took your advice and welded all of the pipes together. We will see if it holds - so far so good. If it does I am only out $10 for the manifold gasket.  |
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