Exhaust manifold leak

[Lance]

My 944s 16v seems to have a leak emitting from where the manifold bolts to the head, it's getting louder each day, can't seem to feel the leak though but it's loud! Also my car is running a bit rough struggling to tick over when cold, I just wondered if the exhaust leak will affect the running, due to loss in back pressure? Are the manifold seals prone to leaking?, are they easy to replace? Thanks in advance

 

[tartan_rob]

I am no expert on these cars but given that I am knee deep in stripping mine, the manifold look relatively straightforward to remove - so long as you are handy with a spanner..?

The exhaust will need to be dropped and you'll need some spaghetti arms to get at some of the nuts but other than that it "should" be straightforward. Get a new set of gaskets and studs ready though.

Someone will correct me is I am wrong.

 

[Lance]

Thanks for the info, my engine was rebuilt only 15k miles ago and the studs and nuts still look new so might get away with re-using them?, I was hoping I could remove the studs and back the manifold off enough to get the seals in without dropping the whole system, I also thought they had gaskets like most manifolds.

 

[colin944]

Takes a bit of swearing and jiggling about to get the manifold off, you need to pull the engine towards the passenger side to get it out ( well I did ). Although once its out it's a great chance to get at the right side engine mount.