Service and Cost
Typical Cost
The cost to replace or repair an exhaust manifold gasket can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, labor rates, and whether you choose to use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket parts. Here's a general breakdown of the costs involved:
1. Parts Cost:
- The exhaust manifold gasket itself typically ranges from $15 to $75, depending on the vehicle and whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts.
2. Labor Cost:
- Labor is typically the most significant part of the cost when replacing an exhaust manifold gasket. This is because accessing the exhaust manifold can be labor-intensive, often requiring the removal of other components.
- At our shop rate of $125 per hour, most exhaust manifold gasket replacements require 2-4 hours of labor, resulting in labor costs between $250-$500.
3. Total Cost:
- Overall, the total cost to replace an exhaust manifold gasket typically ranges from $265 to $575, including parts and labor. Some luxury or performance vehicles may cost more due to specialized parts and additional labor time.
4. Additional Considerations:
- If the exhaust manifold itself is damaged or warped, it may also need to be repaired or replaced, which would increase the cost.
- We recommend inspecting and possibly replacing the exhaust manifold bolts or studs, as they can become corroded or damaged over time. This additional hardware typically costs $20-$40.
We encourage you to contact us for a specific quote for your vehicle, as costs can vary based on your particular make and model. While DIY repair is possible, this job often requires specialized tools and expertise to complete properly.
Typical Service Procedure
When replacing or repairing the exhaust manifold gasket, several components and steps are typically involved to ensure a proper and effective repair. Here's what is generally included in the process:
1. Diagnosis: Our technicians perform a thorough diagnosis to confirm that the exhaust manifold gasket is the source of the problem. This includes listening for exhaust leaks, checking for engine noise, and using diagnostic tools to identify issues.
2. Preparation: We prepare your vehicle for repair by safely lifting and supporting it if necessary. The battery may be disconnected to prevent any electrical issues during the repair.
3. Removal of Components: Exhaust Manifold:The exhaust manifold itself is often removed to access the gasket. This involves unbolting it from the engine block and disconnecting it from the exhaust system. Other Parts:Depending on your vehicle, other components such as heat shields, sensors, or parts of the intake system may need to be removed to access the manifold and gasket.
4. Gasket Removal: We carefully remove the old exhaust manifold gasket. This includes scraping off any remnants of the old gasket material from the manifold and engine surfaces to ensure a clean and smooth surface for the new gasket.
5. Inspection: Our technicians thoroughly inspect both the exhaust manifold and the engine block surfaces for any damage or warping that could affect the seal of the new gasket. If the manifold is cracked or damaged, we'll recommend necessary repairs or replacement.
6. Installation of New Gasket: We install a new, high-quality exhaust manifold gasket, ensuring it's the correct type and properly aligned to prevent future leaks.
7. Reassembly: The exhaust manifold is reattached to the engine block, and all bolts are torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. We then reinstall any other components that were removed, such as heat shields or sensors.
8. Testing: After reassembly, we start your vehicle and test the repair to ensure there are no leaks and that the exhaust system is functioning correctly.
9. Final Checks: We perform a final inspection to ensure everything is securely in place and functioning as expected, including a test drive to confirm the repair's success.
10. Documentation: We thoroughly document the repair, including all parts replaced and work performed, for your records and warranty purposes.
This process ensures that

What is a Exhaust Manifold Gasket and What Does It Do?
Signs of a bad Exhaust Manifold Gasket
The exhaust manifold gasket is a crucial component that seals the connection between the exhaust manifold and the engine block. If it fails, it can lead to several issues. Here are some common signs of a failing exhaust manifold gasket:
1. Exhaust Leaks: One of the most noticeable signs is an exhaust leak. You might hear a hissing or tapping sound, especially during a cold start or when accelerating. This noise is due to exhaust gases escaping through the gap created by the failed gasket.
2. Reduced Engine Performance: A failing gasket can lead to a loss of backpressure in the exhaust system, which can negatively affect engine performance. You might notice a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency.
3. Increased Engine Noise: The exhaust gases escaping through a damaged gasket can cause the engine to be louder than usual. This noise is often more pronounced during acceleration.
4. Burning Smell: If the exhaust gases are leaking near engine components, they can cause a burning smell. This is often due to the heat from the exhaust gases affecting nearby plastic or rubber components.
5. Check Engine Light: A failing exhaust manifold gasket can trigger the check engine light. This is because the leak can affect the readings from the oxygen sensors, leading to incorrect air-fuel mixture adjustments.
6. Visible Soot or Smoke: In some cases, you might notice soot or smoke around the area of the exhaust manifold. This is a sign that exhaust gases are escaping and not being properly routed through the exhaust system.
7. Poor Fuel Economy: Due to the incorrect air-fuel mixture caused by the exhaust leak, the engine may consume more fuel than usual, leading to decreased fuel economy.If you suspect that your exhaust manifold gasket is failing, it's important to have it inspected and repaired by a professional mechanic. Ignoring the issue can lead to more serious engine problems and increased repair costs.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.