Replace or Weld exhaust manifold? '96 Corolla

I'd avoid the welding. It might work, or might not.Welding requires real skill. Why not go with a good used manifold? I also think the prices you are being quoted seem really high. Take a look at

Is the shop going to charge you if they are unable to weld the manifold and will they guarantee the work? If not, then I would just replace it with a new one. A used one will probably eventually develop the same problem.

Is this a common problem with Corolla manifolds? I can't remember the last time I had a car manifold crack. I have had one fail on a farm tractor, but that is an extreme use compared to a passenger car. I would think a used exhaust manifold would be good for many years, but if this is a common problem, I can see buying a new one. But if it is a common problem, why would a new one be immune?

Ed

My '92 Corolla had one. Apparently Toyota had a design change. They gave me the repair for half price.

I repaired mine with JB Weld...

I don't know if cracked exhaust manifolds is a common problem on Corollas or not, but this is the first I've heard of the problem. Back in the early

Toyotas are probably the most consistently made vehicles, which means that one sees very few one-of-a kind problems. Under the same operating conditins, you will tend to see that none fail or they all fail. I've also noticed that people tend to post here about similar problems within a relative short time. I would not be surprised to see another post about a cracked Corolla exhaust manifold in the next month or two.

For that reason, I'd go with a new manifold if possible.

I have had some luck repairing exhaust manifolds in the past by first, drill stopping both ends of the crack, then, heat the area to be welded with a torch before welding. Sometimes it solves the problem and other times it continues to crack beyond the weld, or cracks adjacent to it. Is it cracked in an area where it can be repaired without removal? The price you posted for welding is high if it does not include removal and replacement of the manifold. Like Ray said, make sure they have some guarantee.

What are your thoughts on the aftermarket version at

I tend to favor OEM ignition, electronic, body, and non-cast exhaust parts because the performance of aftermarket parts tends to be hit-or-miss. Assuming that the aftermarket manifold is an exact fit, given its low price, I would give it a shot before trying to weld the old one.

Tony proclaimed to alt.autos.toyota ...

Wheres the crack, any pictures? If its structural I'd recommend getting a used one - I paid $30 for mine when it cracked.

Coyoteboy proclaimed to alt.autos.toyota ...

To add to that, i successfully and permanently cured a cracked manifold on my other halfs car, it was cracked through half of "leg", simple exhaust paste smeared and pressed into the crack, then bandaged up with tin foil until it had heated up and set. Remove tinfoil - fixed. Not failed since (1.5 years?).

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Yup! But I only had a very small crack.

JB Weld is a miracle product, right up there with Duck Tape. I know a mechanic who repaired a diesel engine block with JB weld. I wouldn't believe the story except it was my Dad's MF285 tractor. The tractor blew a head gasket and when the head was removed there was a portion of the block in the area where the head gasket seals that was eroded (apparently by escaping gases). The mechanic (an old guy) cleaned the block surface and filled the area with JB Weld. He smoothed it off, reinstalled the head, and away we went. Of course my Father traded the tractor the next week :). However, we know who bought it (not a friend) and it kept going this way for at least another 5 years. I lost track of it after that. So I never doubt the power of JB Weld. But I don't think I'd use it to patch an exhaust manifold unless I was desperate or trading the car the next day.

Ed

I assume an airplane is using stainless steel tubing. Welding this is easy compared to welding cast iron. If the Toyota manifold is also tubing, then welding would be a more attractive option but personally I'd either go with a new aftermarket manifold or a good used one.

Ed

I've also used JB Weld to fix a lawnmower engine and deck. The claims on the packaging sound too good to be true, but I tried it as a last-ditch effort based on a co-worker's recommendation, and it worked!