I bought my H3 back in the summer and knew it had an exhaust leak at the time. I finally got some time to check it out. I had seen a video where someone had used a shop vac to blow in the exhaust to find leaks so I did that. I was hoping it was just the Oxygen sensor. I started spraying soapy water and it did leak around the sensor. Unfortunately, I found 2 more leaks. Exhaust gasket at #2 cylinder and the manifold is also cracked at end of section coming from #2 cylinder. I'm going to put it back together as I have to use it to drive to work. I was just wondering if it would hurt anything to leave the heat shield off until I replace the manifold. Also, what brand manifold would you recommend I replace it with?

 

I wouldn't drive without heat shield.
Get your pen and paper ready for a grocery list:

• Magnaflow manifold (if you have extra money to throw away) or
• Walker Ultra manifold (1/2 the price). Note: Either have 2 options, make sure to verify 1 or 2, 02 ports on current manifold.
• Exhaust manifold to head gasket (Mahle or Victor Reinz)
• Exhaust pipe to manifold gasket (Mahle or Victor Reinz)
• Exhaust manifold studs & nuts (8.8-10.9ss)
• Exhaust pipe to manifold studs & nuts (8.8-10.9ss)
• Beer

Curious to see a picture of your "crack"? Many years ago, I had to replace the gaskets and upgraded to ss studs, no leaks since.

 

I’m just n phone and trying to attach video. If this doesn’t work, I’ll do a screenshot.

 

 

I only see bubbles? Hole or crack? Regardless easy repair with a cheap arc(aka:stick) welder.

 

It's a crack about 1-1/2" long. Really not visible until I sprayed the soapy water on. I could pull it then and have one of the mechanics weld it at work then. Thanks.

 

If you got the $$ for a new one, would it be better just to get a new one if you are going to pull off the old one? If that crack is near the mounting surface, what is the risk of warping?

 

Weld it then check the torks on the studs that hold the manifold. Should be good to go...

 

Why waste money? OP also has a leak at the o2 sensor (G18MM gasket), a leak at the manifold to head gasket, (MAHLE MS19755 gasket) which requires manifold removal for gasket replacement. Check & deck while removed & weld if needed. Replace the manifold bolts, with studs @ 12.9 or 10.9 & nuts, then forget about it, and keep that extra money banked. I could spend $800+ on a new exhaust manifold, however my oe manifold still performs as intended! BTW, I'm down to $185 month out-of-pocket, since purchase, for PURCHASE, MAINTENANCE, & REPAIRS.

 

Amen bro