Exhaust Leak Fixed!

Aldena · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 06:10 PM

Just wanted to share my story, as I have read several threads about noisy exhaust manifolds. Based on what I have read here, I thought there may have been a cracked mainfold. It sounded like a diesel on cold mornings, and was definitely down on power. I've been hesitant to fix it myself or put headers on because it's still under warranty.

I currently have 38,000 miles on my '04' double cab, and initially reported this to my local dealer almost two years ago. After multiple visits, and being told this was normal, as well as opening a case with Toyota USA, with no results, I had given up on getting it fixed. They never even bothered to look for anything else, like a loose spark plug, bad injector, or whatever. I tried to sell my truck, and almost succeded, but the second test drive on a cold morning killed the deal. Probably no need to say how frustrated I was by now.

Fast forward to last week. I went to a different dealer (out of town) for a 5,000 mile service, mentioned the problem, the mechanic test drove it. He really didn't hear anything out of the ordinary, but after listening to me describe the problem, they offered to replace the manifold gaskets under warranty. To sum it all up, problem fixed, and the vehicle runs great! I was not looking forward to another boating season with my "diesel".

It will be a hassle to have to go out of town for service, although it's not really that far, but I feel justified in getting it fixed. I'd love to pay a visit to the old local dealership and tell them about my new service and buying dealership, but I don't think they really care. The service manager made that crystal clear in our conversations. Btw, that my new dealer in "My Garage".

Sorry to vent, but hopefully this might help someone else.

Tones · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 07:20 PM

Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear your perseverance paid off.

2XOverhead · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 09:41 PM

Are you talking about the ticking sound, or does the dieseling occur even during idle.

I dig that feeling of having things fixed under warranty.

Aldena · #4 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 11:15 AM

It's the ticking sound when pushing on the throttle. It's just sounded like a diesel when driving when cold. At one point, I was told it was piston slap, but since it still made the noise when hot, I never believed it.