Inlet manifold gasket replacement
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Inlet manifold gasket replacement
How much does an inlet manifold gasket replacement cost?
Your engine relies on air drawn in from outside the vehicle to operate correctly. It also needs fuel from the fuel tank to mix with this air to create the potent combustion required to propel your vehicle forward.
It is the job of the inlet manifold to direct the airflow coming into the engine and the fuel it needs to mix with into the cylinders of the engine evenly. This mixture is measured accurately by the engine control unit and any variations to this mixture can cause running issues. It is the job of the inlet manifold gasket to seal off the join between the engine cylinder head and the inlet manifold to ensure no excess air or debris can enter.
This gasket does not have a replacement interval, so it needs to be replaced as soon as possible when it is found to be leaking. Replacement of the inlet manifold gasket can start around the $150 mark and increase to $500 and over depending on the location of the gasket and how labour intensive it is to remove the inlet manifold. Most of the replacement cost will be labour as the inlet manifold gasket itself is usually inexpensive.
What is an inlet manifold gasket?
Gaskets are designed to allow two mating surfaces to join without creating a leak. The inlet manifold gasket seals the inlet manifold surface against the cylinder head of the engine.
The inlet manifold carries the throttle body, various engine sensors and fuel injectors on some models, and allows a measured amount of air/fuel mixture into each cylinder evenly. The inlet manifold gasket is usually comprised of a few layers of reinforced fibres encapsulated in embossed steel, although some models utilise individual rubber gaskets for each passage into the cylinder head.
This rubber can wear down over time due to exposure to oil or other contaminants and this can cause a leak. When this happens, the gaskets must be replaced.
Symptoms your inlet manifold gasket requires replacing
- Oil leaking from engine
- Engine light on or flashing
- Tapping noise coming from the engine that speeds up when engine speed increases
- Poor engine performance
How is the inlet manifold gasket replaced?
- The engine bay is disassembled to allow removal of the inlet manifold
- The throttle body, wiring harness and fuel injectors are disconnected and the inlet manifold removed from the engine
- The old inlet manifold gasket/s are removed and the mating surfaces cleaned
- The new gasket/s are fitted and sealant applied if recommended by the manufacturer
- The throttle body, wiring harness and fuel injectors are refitted
- The engine is operated to ensure correct operation
Tips to remember
- On some engines there are coolant passages that pass through the inlet manifold, so a coolant leak could also be a sign of a failed inlet manifold gasket
- Some manufacturers use split inlet manifold designs, so they may have more than one inlet manifold gasket. In these cases, it is imperative that correct diagnosis is carried out to ensure the right gasket is replaced
How important is replacing a failed inlet manifold gasket?
While it is possible to operate your vehicle with a failing or failed inlet manifold gasket, it is best to have it replaced as soon as possible to limit damage caused from operating your engine with the incorrect air/fuel mixture, or overheating due to a coolant leak.
