My 1981 Toyota pickup with a carbureted 22r failed the Virginia safety inspection for an exhaust manifold leak.
The inspectors were not very forthcoming with additional details so I checked it myself out using the "Rubber Hose" test. Holding one end of the hose to my ear and placing the other against the manifold at various points, I located a hissing sound between the cylinder head and the top of the manifold towards the rear.
I'm hopeful that I can just replace the gasket myself and be on my way but there is one catch that I would appreciate some feedback on.
The bolts that attach the manifold to the cylinder head -- where the leak is -- appear to be fine (rusty, for sure), but two of the bolts that attach the manifold to the tailpipe have broken heads. I am not detecting an exhaust leak there.
Since repairing those broken bolts is WAY beyond me, I am facing a dilemna:
Can I unbolt the manifold from the cylinder head, slip in a new gasket, bolt it back together and head on down to get reinspected?
OR do I need to find a mechanic with access to a machine shop to address the manifold/tailpipe connection before I can address the leak between the manifold and the cylinder head?
Thanks in advance for any advice you might share!
Eric