Exaust leak right at the exaust manifold

[Stallion]

I think I have an exaust leak at the passenger's side exaust manifold. When the car started up there was the white exaust coming from the engine bay, and seemingly coming from the mating surface between the exaust manifold and the head.

Is this definitely an exaust leak? Could it be anything else? What will it take to fix it?

 

[JohnZ]

Retorque the manifold bolts to 30 ft-lbs and see if that takes care of it. Might be that a previous owner used gaskets at that joint for some reason (the factory didn't) and one of them has failed.

 

[Stallion]

Well I was told that nobody fooled around with the engine. If there is no gasket then why would there be an exaust leak? Is that even possible? If there is no gasket then what would the problem be?

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Retorque the manifold bolts to 30 ft-lbs and see if that takes care of it.

It is possible that the bolts have loosened. Retighten and see if that solves the problem. If it doesn't, then we can go from there with troubleshooting...try the easiest/simplest fixes first.
Heidi

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Sounds more like a little spilled oil on the manifold than an exhaust leak.

Usually a leak between the head and the manifold will sound like a loud clicking sound, but will not emit smoke.

 

[Stallion]

It didn't smell like burning oil.

 

[srs244]

as long as you are checking the bolts, you might also want to check the "french locks" on the bolts to make certain they are still good. if the bolts need to be retorqued, you might just want to take them out one at a time and replace (or install) new french locks before re-installing them and re-torqueing the bolts. they (the french locks) will keep your exhaust bolts from becoming loose. the correct installation method for the exhaust manifolds as previously mentioned are direct mounting (no gaskets) which is the way they were assembled at the factory. also the correct specs for torquing the manifolds call for less foot pounds torque on the center bolts than on the outer bolts to allow for expansion from the heat of the exhaust. take a look at your assembly manual for a better explaination. steve