manifold gasket

[pug]

This is going to be the 5 gasket with in a year. Any reason why all bolts are tight 22lbs for 6 of the bolts 30lbs for the center bolt. It is a 1990 2.5. thanks

[Garvin]

Are you having an issue with the exhaust or intake manifold?

 

Make sure that the manifold is flat on the end bolted to the gasket. Also make sure that there are no sharp ends on the manifold as it could be tearing into the gasket as you tighten it. Check both the intake and exhaust manifolds. If it's the exhaust that's leaking, make sure the exhaust is tight, it could be rattling the exhaust manifold and destroying gaskets like that.

[pug]

It is same gasket for both manifolds. I have replaced exhaust manifold twice in a year they were both cracked.

[Garvin]

They are the same but just curious which side it was. Make sure the EGR isn't stuck open, it sounds like the manifold might be getting too hot and burning the gasket, causing the cracks in the manifold also.

[pug]

How do you check if egr valve is stuck open.

[Garvin]

Sorry, I always mix it up, stuck closed. Recirculating burnt combustion gases into the intake lowers the combustion temperature.

 

The only way I really know is off a hand vacuum pump and mirror. A great video to explain how to do it is:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIUFw2KR ... r_embedded

[pug]

Thanks for info. Great video will try vacume test over the weekend.