So I just had my exhaust manifold gasket replaced today. After I had it replaced I drove and it sounds like I have a worse leak. I took it to an exhaust specialist here and he said he can't feel any leaks and doesn't know what in the world it might be. Has anyone here had that problem? What did you find out?

 

It's a 93 pickup with the 22re sorry for missing that

 

If it is leaking at the manifold and head, there should be some signs of exhaust leak as it will have some carbon on the head area after a while.

I have had so much trouble with exhaust leaks where the "Y" pipe connects to the manifold, that if it is not leaking, I cut the pipe further on down when removing the exhaust system and have the pipe welded back up.

The nuts can back off on the manifold and head. Also, at the "Y" junction it tends to crack out. It can be welded back up if cracked. I put a teaspoon or so of diesel or ATF fluid in the Plenum and start it up, it will smoke badly. Have someone with a shop rag block the end of the pipe so that it blows smoke out any leaks that may in the system.

Here is how I fix my manifold and pipe problems. I torque the bolts on tight, use red locktite and then stake the nuts to the studs with a hammer and punch.

 

cool tip with using the burning atf smoke.

there are a couple of donut gaskets at that junction, that should probably be replaced every time that it comes apart, if not sooner.

afaik, the only 22re exhaust manifold gasket worth getting is the remflex stuff... if you get smog tested, make sure that the egr holes are opened up in the gasket.