Re: testing exaust manifolds for leaks any tips??????
BNL,<br />Pressure test or not?<br />If a manifold or riser has a major fracture, a pressure test will sure enough show the problem. More often than not a manifold or riser will develop a crack or fracture that will not turn up in a pressure test. Apressure test is done on the bench at ambient temperature. The manifold will be at 140-190 degrees when in service on an engine. At this temperature, a hairline fractue that will not show up in a bench pressure test, will pass water into a cylinder and cause problems. I would do a compression test on the engine to verify the integrity of the head gaskets. If compression is good, toss the manifolds and risers. Always replace the manifold and riser together, as a deficiency in one, can ruin the other. $1000. worth of manfolds, beats the cost of a new engine. <br />Just one opinion, for what it's worth.