Exhaust manifold leak/tick

[Red]

Hey guys,

So I just upgraded from a 95 4Runner to my 07 V8 and I actually noticed that my 4Runner does make a distinct ticking sound when I first start it up. After reading around here I am lead to believe I definitely have one or two cracked exhaust headers.

I bought this 4Runner used from a Toyota dealership in town, when I bought it I was told there was no warranty on it BUT when I bought it I was also told that it was meticulously inspected and everything was in perfect shape.

Do you guys think I have any leverage? should I be able to demand new exhaust headers since I JUST bought it and it was supposed to be in perfect shape? Also since it seems to be a very common repair for the V8s they shouldn't argue the fact with me.

what do you guys think?

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

well, how long ago is 'just'?
I would definitely go back to them and have them inspect the headers, or perhaps go to an Indie shop first just so you have some ammo in case they deny it and demand it replaced, or return vehicle/refund
Not a cheap fix at all

 

[Red]

"Just" as in I bought it on Sept 24th.

I think I will bring it in, I think I should be justified in getting them replaced either for free or for a significant discount.

I could get an exhaust shop to inspect it but based on what I've read the only real way to tell if its leaking is to take it off. Also since so many people have the same symptoms, it must be a manifold leak.

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

the ticking will be on either side, or if both headers are cracked, on both.
also, the ticking should increase with acceleration. You should also have no tick while the vehicle is in park or neutral.

 

[Red]

the ticking will be on either side, or if both headers are cracked, on both.
also, the ticking should increase with acceleration. You should also have no tick while the vehicle is in park or neutral.

I'll give it a closer look tonight.

Why would the tick stop while in park or neutral?

If this is such a common problem why isn't it a recall? or is it not as common as it sounds?

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

they had an 8yr, 80k miles warranty on the manifolds i believe.
but for us 03 drivers, just a little too late (most sold in 02 and have 100k plus on them for miles)

 

[Red]

Question to those in the know.

So I called up my Dealership and asked them for a quote and inquired into getting a free inspection from them and I asked about the ticking sound.
The tech on the phone told me that it was probably just cold hydraulic lifters, which I thought made sense, I actually thought that was what the ticking sound was before I read this thread.

Is this something that is easily confused with the exhaust tick? besides listening to the tick is there an easy way to tell if a manifold is leaking? I'd like to trust their inspection but I'd just like to hear what the knowledgable people on T4R have to say.

The tech actually suggested that if I do infact need new manifolds that I should go to an exhaust shop that they deal with regularly instead of buying the Toyota parts. We'll see if it comes to that though.

 

[ClockWork]

Question to those in the know.

So I called up my Dealership and asked them for a quote and inquired into getting a free inspection from them and I asked about the ticking sound.
The tech on the phone told me that it was probably just cold hydraulic lifters, which I thought made sense, I actually thought that was what the ticking sound was before I read this thread.

Is this something that is easily confused with the exhaust tick? besides listening to the tick is there an easy way to tell if a manifold is leaking? I'd like to trust their inspection but I'd just like to hear what the knowledgable people on T4R have to say.

The tech actually suggested that if I do infact need new manifolds that I should go to an exhaust shop that they deal with regularly instead of buying the Toyota parts. We'll see if it comes to that though.

Does it go away when warm?

 

[Red]

Does it go away when warm?

Yes.

 

[ClockWork]

Yes.

Yes = manifolds most likely.

 

[Red]

Yes = manifolds most likely.

Thank you sir.

I will let you guys know how this pans out.

IF it is cracked manifolds, should I force the dealership to install Toyota parts? or let them refer my truck to this exhaust shop that they deal with often?

Not sure what this exhaust shop will do, weld up some custom exhaust manifolds with better materials so that I dont get another crack? Would a new Toyota manifold present the same problem down the road?

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

there are no aftermarket headers, they will have to install oem

 

[Red]

there are no aftermarket headers, they will have to install oem

So Ive heard, maybe they can make custom ones? I don't know. We'll see what happens tomorrow when they inspect my 4Runner, when I started it this evening to take it over there it didn't make the ticking sound. It might be nothing but im getting them looked at just to be safe.

 

[berettashot117]

this giant crack is visible through thr wheel well.

 

[xlaxx]

This manifold issue seems to be a chronic one.

How many of you all have contacted your local dealer to found out the actual numbers involved with similar complaint? I have no problem asking my dealer about the statistics and data for those V8 owners with cracked manifolds getting their service perfomed there.

The manifold issue with the V8s was one of my primary reasons on going with a V6 (I don't tow and I do drive mostly in the city),...BUT...I DO want to help other T4R owners. I could ask my dealership for their service numbers if that would help a 'grassroots' effort in trying to get this service issue rectified/repaired by Ma' Toyota.

Thoughts?

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

i say go for it. My dealership is useless (oregan's toyota in Nova Scotia). I wouldn't take my vehicle there again. They want $1700 plus tax to replace one manifold. Our dollar was on par with your USD at the time, and the manifold can be bought online for @$530 in the states.
Anyone know the shoptime they quote for replacing a manifold??

 

[stanleybb50]

this giant crack is visible through thr wheel well.

When washing my car last night I noticed the big gaping hole through the wheel well leading to the engine and couldn't help but to think if any water splashes up on to the super hot/running manifold and/or if this helps contribute to the problem? Mine are still ok for now, but it got me wondering if I should throw up a splash guard there or something?

Thoughts?


- Sent via Tapatalk for Android

 

[KeeneState83]

I just got my 4Runner about a month ago. I noticed the 'tick' and just got it into the shop yesterday. I got the call today saying they are going to replace both monifolds and the cats all under watentee. I am at 63k so I guess it was all covered under the 8/80k emmisions.

 

[progress4m]

This manifold issue seems to be a chronic one.

How many of you all have contacted your local dealer to found out the actual numbers involved with similar complaint? I have no problem asking my dealer about the statistics and data for those V8 owners with cracked manifolds getting their service perfomed there.

The manifold issue with the V8s was one of my primary reasons on going with a V6 (I don't tow and I do drive mostly in the city),...BUT...I DO want to help other T4R owners. I could ask my dealership for their service numbers if that would help a 'grassroots' effort in trying to get this service issue rectified/repaired by Ma' Toyota.

Thoughts?

Best of luck and let us know if you get any info: maybe something like the numbers of failures on V8 models…
Since I have V8 and being supporter of Toyota quality theory I am watching post like that…
Here is a link a poll that was done recently regarding this issue: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/98285-v8-exhaust-manifold-tick.html
According to this poll only 14 V8 owners had this issue out 369 that looked at that poll… I am not sure if that represents any statistical data…
Keep us posted.

 

[ClockWork]

73k on the 4R and 123k on the cruiser, no issues. Interesting its hit or miss it seems.