What to do When your Exhaust Manifold Gasket Fails in Your Jaguar in Pineville

The automotive industry has been forced to move towards environmentally-friendly technology, and Jaguar has embraced it with some of the most sustainable new hybrid and electric designs. Conversely, their other models still rely on traditional fuel-burning technology. Tailpipe emissions are regulated and lessened by the ingenuity of the exhaust system, and if the system fails, it can also seriously impact your Jaguar’s performance if not immediately addressed by a professional.

The exhaust system, consisting of the exhaust manifold and manifold gasket, reduces the harmful environmental impact of the vehicle’s emissions by collecting and rerouting the toxic fumes out the tailpipe. The manifold is connected to the engine cylinder heads and sealed by the gasket. In addition to mitigating your vehicle’s carbon footprint, the exhaust manifold is also crucial for your safety and your vehicle’s health. A compromise in the exhaust manifold gasket will lead to toxic fumes leaking into the vehicle’s interior, as well as potential damage to the manifold or other systems in your Jaguar.

Signs of a Failing Exhaust Manifold Gasket

Luckily, an issue with the exhaust manifold gasket is generally hard to miss. There are several sounds, smells, and visual cues that you may observe that can flag a failure in the exhaust manifold system. The three most likely symptoms of an exhaust manifold gasket failure to be alert for are:

• Excessive Engine Noise: One of the very first signs of a malfunctioning or damaged gasket is a noise that can be described as hissing, tapping, or sputtering. This sound occurs when gases are escaping the seal, causing an exhaust leak. Listen closely during acceleration, or when starting your vehicle in a cold environment, as this is when the sound will be most audible.
• Burning Smell Coming from the Engine Compartment: If there is an exhaust leak, the fumes will be escaping the engine at extremely high temperatures. There is a plethora of plastic parts and wiring that would be exposed to that heat and possibly burning or melting. You may notice smoke along with the smoldering odor. A burning smell or smoke coming from your engine bay should never be ignored. If you notice these signs, it is highly advisable to cut your vehicle’s power without delay and avoid driving until the source of the burning is identified and resolved.
• Reduced Power, Acceleration, and Fuel Efficiency: A decrease in your vehicle’s power and performance may not be measurable at first, but over time, if the issue is not properly addressed by a mechanic, the change will become drastically more noticeable. Even if you do not observe any sound or smell, poor performance and fuel efficiency could indicate a leaking exhaust manifold gasket.

In addition to these three symptoms, you may notice a coolant leak. The cooling system is located near the exhaust manifold and could become damaged, causing the engine to overheat. If left for too long, or if the symptoms are not noticeable, you risk stalling the engine completely.

Addressing the Issue

As a responsible Jaguar driver, you understand that any unusual behaviour in your vehicle’s performance should not be left unattended. This is especially true for signs like burning smells, other foul odors, visibly seeing smoke, and strange noises. Not only do you risk further damaging your vehicle, but you also risk endangering yourself and others. Only a trusted professional with experience in your brand should tackle a job like fixing or replacing an exhaust manifold gasket. Despite it being a relatively simple and inexpensive part, it is a very labor intensive task that requires the right experience.

You Can Trust A&M Auto Service

Like the jungle beast it’s named after, the Jaguar commands respect. As the proud owner and driver of a Jaguar, you understand that when it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s majesty, below-average service is not an option.

For Jaguar owners in Pineville, Charlotte, and Greensboro, NC, the expert mechanics at A&M Auto Service offer dealership quality maintenance and repair work at a fraction of the cost. Our expert mechanics have decades of experience working with Jaguars and other European vehicles and we know what it takes to properly maintain your car. To ensure that your Jaguar is in top working condition and performing at an optimum level, call us today at 704-583-2523.