Dreaded exhaust leak!

Probably going to replace the manifolds on my 01 tundra 4.7 I've found that it is a common issue. Would it be best for me to replace the manifolds with headers? What headers fit best? I'm not a very rich person so I'm trying to go the cheapest route possible however I do not want to do this again in a few years. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-steering-shaft-seal.48664/
Just in case, so you can explore all possibilities.

 

My advice is go back OEM with everything. Expensive upfront, but in the long run cheaper than doing it twice. For some reason, all I remember about posters with the same issue is they never get it right without going OEM.

Maybe a shop pro can get it right for you with aftermarket.

 

How would this sound like an exhaust leak? I had the truck inspected recently and the shop told me I have an exhaust leak but they said they can't find it however they also don't do exhaust work. I haven't dove in myself yet but it sounds like an exhaust leak to me. Noticeable ticking sounds when cold and goes away once the engine heats which sounds like the common cracked manifold issue.

 

You ever replace your Valve Cover Gaskets and PVC Valve?

How are your spark plugs and coils looking?

Your oil conventional or synthetic?

Shop can’t find leak so lets rule out other easy stuff first.

 

I just bought the truck a few weeks ago it sounds just like other leaky exhaust manifolds I've heard in the past. Haven't checked the coils and plugs but how would those parts sound like an exhaust leak? Not trying to be a smartass I'm just curious. I'd rather not change the manifolds if possible. I did notice the truck has new exhaust but I didn't check the manifolds themselves before taking it to get inspected.

 

I replaced the factory manifolds on my '02 when they started leaking in '03, the short tube JBA's I installed are doing great 130,000 miles later.

 

Did some research found out it could be the fuel injection pressure damper as well has anyone replaced this with any success. Says it can sound like an exhaust leak and from what I'm reading it sounds like my problem. Sounds like lower end noise but goes away after warm up.

 

AKA ‘The Pulsator’?

 

Yes sir the "pulsator" lol I'm my experience in the past an exhaust manifold leak has a constant tap and a higher tap under load. The sound is identical to the ones I've heard in the past. The sound I'm having now goes away after a few minutes which sounds odd for an exhaust leak. I researched and found that the wrong oil can cause piston slap and the pulsator can cause this sound as well. I bought it from a small dealer who may have just thrown in whatever oil he had at the time. I think maybe I should try changing the oil to factory recommend 5-20 I believe it says and if that doesn't work try the pulsator and if that doesn't work then get into the exhaust system.

 

Maybe this why the shop can't find the "exhaust leak" from your picture I can see that the pulsator sits closer to the driver side and towards the rear of the engine bay. I can hear the noise better from inside the cab than out. I'd leave it be but the shop is not letting me pass inspection untill said exhaust leak is fixed.

 

Put a leaf blower or shop vac outlet side to your tail pipe.(With the truck off and exhaust cool.)

With the exhaust pressurized by the leaf blower spray it down with Dawn and water mixture. Any leak well show bubbles.

Let us know what you find out!

 

No offense but there is no reason to go with new exhaust manifolds over headers.

 

I have an 02 and mine does the same thing. But mine only does it occasionally so I'm leaning towards the steering shaft boot linked above. I believe it was the 00-03 that developed hairline cracks in the manifolds that only make noise until the engine warms up. Apparently they fixed this around 03-04. This is all forum hearsay that I've picked up after searching the past few years. Who know how common the problem actually is.

 

What does that thing do exactly?

 

Mine ticks until the exhaust has warmed up a bit I’ve always just assumed it’s small cracks that expand and seal once warm. But now you boys have me wondering..

 

Mine does the same.

 

Mine ticked for a couple years when I didn’t really care too much about the truck. Almost sounded like banging ticks. It went away eventually after some time in 2008.

My engine had the heat tick real bad once hot and that corrected after new VCG and PCV. The synthetic oil helps too. New coils and plugs make the engine run cooler and more efficient.

 

Evens out the fuel pump gasoline pressures going into the fuel rail feeding fuel injectors.

 

I replaced my fuel pressure damper hoping it was the issue but it made no difference. I have a really shiny new part though I may try the steering shaft seal next to see if that helps. Replacing the manifolds is spendy. I'll learn to live with the ticking, especially since it goes away after a couple of minutes.

 

I don't see how the shaft seal can make a noise. I'm sure it could let the noise into the cab though but I'm trying to stop the noise all together

 

You should verify your exhaust has a leak first with a shop vac or leaf blower first as stated above then go from there.

The exhaust manifolds will always have some noise to them. The steering shaft intercepts the firewall right next to the DS exhaust manifold and creates a direct path for sound, at select frequencies (the tapping noise that sounds like a leak). If you're outside the vehicle and rev the motor when cold and can clearly hear (or feel) the exhaust leak, then obviously you need to fix that first.

Just doing a search on Google with the Tundra Steering Shaft seal you'll just find a lot of posters who thought they had an exhaust leak, but didn't. It's just worth checking the simple things first, thats all!

 

Could this shaft also be the reason I get occasional exhaust fumes in the cab? If it's letting noise in I'm guessing it could let fumes in.

 

https://www.instructables.com/id/Find-an-exhaust-leak-without-burning-your-hands/

 

I think so. Did you crawl under with a flash light and look up at the seal? If there's a big hole there instead of rubber, you'll be happy to swap yours out.