[Turbovsix]

All -

So, after a long tow this weekend, my passenger side exhaust manifold finally started leaking. I get a RAP RAP RAP RAP RAP RAP RAP right at cold start up (not the normal tick) and then after a minute or two of running and warming up, it subsides and then just blends in with all the other drivetrain noise.

I have maxcare on the truck, so I'm covered for the repair (though with a $100 deductible).

My question is this. I have three chrysler dealers near me, and each one seems to be worse than the other - I've had spotty service at each of them - one likes to get grease all over my interior, the other claims that they can't "duplicate" anything when I bring it in, and the third, well, they apparently can't verify my Max care in their computer every time I go, even though they've replaced a driver's side mirror for me under max care.

ANYWHOO, having said that, I really have no time or patience to bring the truck in and then have them claim they can't duplicate it, even now that it's pretty loud.

1. Should I wait for it to get a whole lot worse and then bring it in?
2. If it never gets worse than it is right now, is it still going to impact fuel economy (I would think it would given messed up o2 sensor readings) or should I just drive it.
3. I don't have any fumes in the truck. I mean, what other negative side effects of just driving with this condition are there (besides the fact I'm OCD and want it fixed).

I'm sorry to say but after three full ring and pinion rebuilds BEFORE they finally did my recall, and after shoddy service time and time again (and I'm not a difficult pain in the ass customer - just don't want freakin grease all over my dashboard and console and door panels and carpet and seats and windows and shifter and steering wheel and dash board and door handles and headliner and radio and evic and floor sill plates) - I'm just reluctant to deal with these guys on minor issues now even though I have the extended plan.

Was thinking of letting another repair stack up before I deal with them.

Opinions? Get it fixed or just deal with it for a while?

 

[Turbovsix]

Maybe I should rephrase it - what are the negative impacts of running with a minor exhaust leak?

 

[Swaggerville Ram]

Maybe I should rephrase it - what are the negative impacts of running with a minor exhaust leak?

It will eventually get worse
Stupid comments from GM and Ford fanboi's is really the most annoying thing.

 

[BULLRAM]

I have had both sides replaced, if it wont make the sound ask to leave it overnight, it WILL make it in the morning ,tell them to wait till you get there, it always works, the sound will only get worse, and more could be wrong when they finally change them out, mine broke off in the head, they tried drilling them out, didnt work, they ended up replacing the head as an assembly, lifetime power train warranty took care , of it, I say let them do it, that way if they bust off one in the head ,they are responsible, the heads are crazy expensive.

 

[Turbovsix]

Thanks Bullram - yeah, I'm going to keep the appointment for next week. I asked them to do a cold start (completely cold start). Even though I can still hear it hot, it's a lot louder cold.

I have the lifetime maxcare warranty which basically extends the bumper to bumper so I'm covered with a 100 deductible. I'm sure they'll have fun getting these suckers off. Motor has as of today 120k on it and I'm sure they're rusted to sh*t.

 

[YO208]

With the warranty it isn't worth the potential headache of doing it yourself. bolts could break and cause the job to snow ball into a fiasco.

 

[Turbovsix]

Yeah wasn't planning on doing it myself - Just really wanted to know how it would impact performance and economy until I had my dealer do it because I was considering letting it get worse so I could combine it with another warranty claim since I have a deductible.

 

[Turbovsix]

Just an update for those with the same issue. They replaced the passenger side manifold and are checking driver's side tomorrow. Maybe it'll be a double who knows. Thank god for the max care warranty.