How should I go about fixing this exaust leak
 

Hey Guys

The Problem and How The Problem was Found
Exhaust fumes stated coming into my 98 Honda civic cabin so I did an exhaust leak test using your standard soapy water and shop vac. I found I have two exhaust leaks. One coming from the gasket that mates with the exaust header and the head. Another from where the exaust header mates with the actual exaust. The majority of the leaking exaust comes from the where the exaust header mates with the exaust. I attached images below of exactly where the leaking exaust is coming from.

What have I done so far
So far the only thing I've done is tighten down the bolts, but dong that had no effect in fixing the issues

The Questions
Before I start doing anything, what do you guys recommend I do? For where the exhaust manifold mates with the head I assume all I would need to do is replace the gasket? For the where the exhaust manifold mates with the exaust I'm not sure what the best thing to do there would be. I mean should there be a gasket there? I don't see one lol. Sorry if these questions are noobish in nature. I'm new to fixing and modifying cars.


Attachment 113210

Attachment 113211

Re: How should I go about fixing this exaust leak
 

try new gaskets, oem ones will probably seal better than the cheap ones, penetrating fluid is a good idea

Re: How should I go about fixing this exaust leak
 

Yes get yourself some new gaskets. If the manifold is cracked it will need replacing. The bottom part looks like it will be a PITA taking off so it may need to be cut off and replaced.

Re: How should I go about fixing this exaust leak
 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll replace the gaskets this evening. I applied liquid wrench last night, and this morning which I hope will help with those pesky bolts.

Re: How should I go about fixing this exaust leak
 

Ok I installed new gaskets and the leak where the manifold meets with the head is fixed. Where the manifold meets with exaust still has a leak though. I tried 2 different types of gaskets for where the manifold meets with the exaust. A gasket thats 2 O Rings, and an after market one that's just one piece. I'm not sure where to go from here. What are your guys suggestions?

Re: How should I go about fixing this exaust leak
 

You can try an OEM gasket or maybe a junkyard for a used manifold that is in better shape. Or a new aftermarket manifold.

Re: How should I go about fixing this exaust leak
 

If I were to replace the manifold would this be an adequate replacement? Or should I get something else?
Exaust manifold replacement

Re: How should I go about fixing this exaust leak
 

I wouldn't expect much for the price but it is probably adequate. I have no personal experience with the cheaper headers but they are usually hit or miss in quality. For the price though it might be worth a shot.