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Hello,

I have an 02 Honda Civic DX which has problems with the exhaust manifold. It has a small crack and a lot of green corrision around it. I am not sure if I should get it fixed, which would cost over $600+ or I can get it taken off and welded together and it would cost around $200. Please let me know if it will become a problem?

Thanks,
Scott

 
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Yep thats a problem. You will eventually get a CEL because that crack is allowing extra air into the system and the O2 sensor(s) will see it. You car will either start to lean out or run rich because of it.

 
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What does start to lean out or run rich mean,lol. not a big techie

 
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An exhaust leak will confuse your O2 sensors causing the ECU to dump more fuel (run rich) or less fuel (run lean) to compensate. Either way, not good.

Replacing the exhaust manifold (header) is pretty easy to do by yourself. You can get a new one with gaskets and have a good weekend project. It's just 7 bolts (5 top and 2 bottom) and a couple of sensors. Be sure to have deep sockets with an extension and some liquid wrench or penetrating lubricant. Here is a DIY that is beyond what you will do but there are lots of pics. Check around the For Sale section to see if anyone is selling their used header (note EX header is different and can't be used unless you want to replace the downpipe, cat, cat back, and extend some sensors too).