How to Fix a Cracked Intake Manifold

The engine is the most essential part of a vehicle and with a cracked intake manifold, it is no more a vehicle than a storage device. As such, the engine needs to be treated with care and any wear and tear should be sorted out as soon as it appears. The manifold is an integral part of the engine and its location depends on the model of the car and the year it was built. Without it, the gas builds up in the engine would choke up the engine and cause it to shut down.

Cracked Manifold Functions

The main function of the manifold is to supply the gas cylinders with the right combination of gas and air to keep it running as smoothly as possible. It is responsible for the distribution of the combustion mixture and to each of the cylinder heads in the engine.

Step 1 – Prepare the Surface

Before the epoxy can be applied, the cracked section needs to be scuffed appropriately using sandpaper. Epoxy adheres accurately to a rough surface as opposed to a smooth one and as such, the area should be sanded down properly at least 2 inches from the site of the crack.

Step 2 – Apply Epoxy

Apply the epoxy without it dripping than allow it to cool and seal the crack.

Step 3 – Test the Engine

After cooling, top the engine coolant and then switch on the engine and allow it to warm. Check for any leaks in the manifold and if there is none then you are good to go.

Step 4 – Double Check Work

If at any point, the engine should start to steam then switch it off and recheck any of the repair work that has been done.

It is possible to fix the cracked manifold on your own but this is a temporary solution and a total replacement should be undertaken if and when necessary.

The manifold is found in different areas in the engine bay. It can be the mount for the carburetor, the throttle body, or for the fuel injectors. It creates a vacuum that is substantial for the functioning of every engine, as the vacuum is the basis for the functioning of the windscreen wipers, the power windows, and the cruise and emission control. All these are a subsidiary of the engine´s auxiliary power as is the ventilation system in the car.

The vacuum draws gases emitted by the pistons that are then burned with the fuel and air mixture. Whether the vehicle has a direct fuel injection system or not, this is an important part and if damaged in one way or another, a quick fix can be used before any replacements necessary are undertaken. It is important to monitor the engine properly as overheating can cause permanent damage if left untreated.