An intake manifold works with the engine’s fuel injectors to supply air directly into each cylinder, timed to occur as that cylinder reaches the top-dead-center during its combustion cycle. In most vehicles, this part is controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Unfortunately, the intake manifold can malfunction or fail like other mechanical components. Here are some of the problems you may encounter with your vehicle’s intake manifold and how to know when it’s time to take your car in for repairs.
What is an Intake Manifold?
The intake manifold is the component of your car’s engine that holds air until it is sucked into the cylinders to be mixed with fuel and burned. The car’s throttle body is the component that controls how much air enters the manifold, which varies based on several factors. A gasket seals the intake manifold to the engine’s cylinder head. The seal provided by the gasket is critical because the intake manifold must hold air in and keep contaminants out. Often, issues with the intake manifold can be traced to a failed gasket.
How do I Know if the Intake Manifold is Failing?
There are several signs of a failing intake manifold that you may notice. First, rough idling or engine sputtering will occur if the intake manifold is bad. This is due to a poor fuel/air mixture if the intake manifold can’t do its job. You may notice excessive smoke coming from your car’s exhaust too. If the gasket has failed, oil or coolant may seep into the combustion chamber, causing excessive exhaust smoke.
Also, fuel economy and performance will suffer if the mixture burned by the cylinders is either too rich or too lean. Finally, the car’s check engine light will come on if the intake manifold is bad. Your car’s ECU monitors the fuel/air mixture and will give an error code if this mixture is not correct.
What to do About a Failing Intake Manifold?
Suppose you notice the signs of a failing intake manifold. In that case, you should bring your vehicle to your trusted mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a failing intake manifold will ultimately damage your car’s engine, especially if the gasket has failed. Your mechanic will be able to diagnose and repair any issues with the intake manifold; however, these repairs tend to be labor-intensive and can be costly.
Please don’t ignore the signs of a failed intake manifold; it won’t get better on its own. Instead, bring your vehicle to your car care specialist to get your car back on the road trouble-free.