Rep Power: 0

So, I have a pretty good size exhaust leak towards the top right corner of the mani. I have a 2001 DX, and tomorrow, I'm going to pull the heat shield. Does anybody have any tips on what to look for or whether to repair or replace?

Should I take off the manifold no matter what -- for fresh gaskets? Or, should I just try to patch from the outside?

I don't want to waste money, but I want to do things right, and have never really done a repair like this...

Thanks in advance!

 
Rep Power: 518

Can I post the obvious here?
Take off the heat shield and see what's going on, THEN figure it out.

If the nuts have come loose, tighten them.
If the manifold is cracked, replace it.
If any of the studs broke off in the head, you may need to pull the manifold to fix it. I'd check the manifold for flatness then, since a warped manifold can keep yanking/breaking the studs out on the ends.
Or someone could have just overtightened them when they did the head gasket. IDK.

The gasket against the head is steel. *I would* reuse it if it hasn't been blown out or damaged.



HTH