Trailblazer exhaust manifold cracked again after being replaced

[nike0777]

Hello,
I have a 2008 Trailblazer and had a cracked manifold replaced about two years ago. GM covered it completely under a special extended warranty since it was a known problem, but now the replacement manifold has cracked as well. I called GM and they are looking into whether the cracked replacement will be covered as well. Has anyone had a replacement manifold break and if so did GM cover the cost a second time?

Thanks for any info!

 

[RayVoy]

They didn't change the design of the manifold, the new one is just as prone to cracking as the original.

 

[jellybean]

i just changed mine out last night on my 05, it was almost cracked all the way around into two pieces. unfortunately i had not warranty or coverage on it but the new one i got has a lifetime warranty on it, just hope i dont have to change that thing again, defiantly a big pain in my arse, of course there's probably an easier way to do it, than how i did, but it was a first time thing.

 

[Mooseman]

When I replaced my engine, mine had a crack. The used replacement engine (from an '03) had the manifold still attached, it was also cracked. I got a new aftermarket manifold from eBay that said it was improved from the OE design. Three years so far, all good.

 

[gbernich]

Hey guys, I'm new on this forum and saw this thread. I have a 2003 Trailblazer 4.2L with 200k miles.
I had my exhaust manifold and gaskets replaced at about 180k miles. I recently have developed an exhaust leak again and I brought it in to a shop (new customer since I'm away at school). They told me the right side manifold needs to be replaced. Now I'm a little confused because I thought the manifold on this car was one piece. Am I missing something here? Or does this shop not know what they are doing. Thanks for any advice!

 

[Playsinsnow]

There's a chance the new one could have. Did it come with a warranty from the manufacturer or shop? 20k miles to have a new one crack would not be fun. There is only one exhaust manifold on a stock I6.

Start it up in the morning when it is cold. Look underneath and see where the leak is from the spewing exhaust. Or under the hood.

 

[gbernich]

Thanks. I will be in town where my mechanic is that replaced the manifold originally. I will have him look at it. Hopefully I will get some kind of discount. However, I do have a 900 mile trip coming up. Is this a bad idea with a cracked manifold?

 

[Playsinsnow]

Depends how much attention you like and how loud it is lol. I would fix it to get things in order especially before a trip. It won't be getting any better during or after. Could just be loose bolts. Will it stop you from driving all day for 900 miles? Not if I HAD to.

 

[gbernich]

Haha I see what you mean. It's not terribly loud. Last time I had the leak it was a lot louder. So maybe its just got some loose bolts. The reason I want to hold off until after the trip is because that's when I'll be in town where my mechanic is (who replaced the manifold, and I also trust him very much so).

Is it tough to get the shield off to look at the manifold?

 

[Playsinsnow]

Go back to that shop and tell them you've read it has happened, you'll read it in other threads. Never to me yet, at least that I can tell. But others have. Ask them to check it. If it was over a 12 months ago I wouldn't expect much. My local shop would pull me in and tell me to back it out after the few minutes on a lift. Unless you have codes or problems with it running or mpgs I wouldn't sweat it too much.

 

[gbernich]

Thanks a lot for the help. I am going to take a look at it with a buddy that knows quite a bit. If it is cracked, I will probably have the mechanic where I am now do it (Indiana). They gave me a better price ($470) than my mechanic at home did it for 20k miles ago ($640). By the way, that was about 16 months ago