Look no further than HQ Autosport if you notice the following problems with your Sprinter van. These problems are signs that the exhaust manifold or the gasket on the manifold has cracked. It is rare for this to happen, but because Sprinter vans are generally used as delivery vans, they put up with a lot of wear and tear. If the van is running too hot, it’s possible the manifold or gasket can crack.
Sluggish Engine Performance
When this happens, the engine fills with exhaust gases. Consequently, these gases make their way into the combustion chamber and affect the Sprinter van’s engine performance. The performance will slow down and become sluggish, especially when you try to accelerate the van. This can make a delivery route difficult if the van is not performing as it should be.
Reduction in Gas Mileage
It can also increase the fuel expenses in your bottom line. The reason why is that the van will use more gasoline even though the engine is performing poorly. Consequently, there will be extra trips to the gas station to keep the van’s tank full. This can cut into your fuel budget severely.
Check Engine Warning Light
Another thing that is going to happen with a leaking gasket or manifold is the check engine light will illuminate on the dashboard. System sensors in the engine will detect problems because of the exhaust gases. As such, they will alert the engine control unit of errors and these errors will cause the unit to turn on the check engine light.
Noticeable Exhaust Smells
If you can smell exhaust in the Sprinter’s cabin, the exhaust manifold gasket or manifold could be leaking. As we have mentioned above, this fills the engine with exhaust gases. Consequently, the gases can blow through the vents and into the Sprinter’s passenger cabin.
Burning Engine Parts Odor
Another odor you might detect is the odor of burning engine parts. The exhaust gases that enter the engine are extremely hot. As such, they will increase the engine’s temperature and you will smell hot metal. In addition, they will melt any parts made of rubber or plastic.
Strange Noises at Start-Up
Finally, you may hear strange noises when you first fire up the Sprinter van. Specifically, as the exhaust escapes through the crack, it will either hiss or tap. Sometimes, these noises continue while you are driving the van. Other times, heat expands the manifold’s metal and seals the crack temporarily.
Call HQ Autosport in Escondido, CA, today if you are having problems with your Sprinter van.
