Tips To Identify Intake Manifold Gasket Failure in Your Land Rover

Does your Land Rover have decreased power or do you experience stalling while idling? If so, then the problem could be due to a failed intake manifold gasket. Changing a poor manifold gasket is very important if you want your Land Rover’s engine to work well again. Read on to find out what intake manifold gasket does, how you can know that the gasket has gone bad, and where you should go for a fast and reliable solution.

The Intake Manifold Gasket and its Function

The intake manifold gasket is an important part of your engine that ensures that the intake manifold, through which air is supplied to the engine cylinders is sealed. It also assists in keeping the correct ratio of air and fuel which is a very important requirement for any engine. A damaged gasket causes a leak and makes it difficult for air or coolants to be channeled to the expected destination, compromising the working of the engine, and the performance of the vehicle in general.

What Causes Intake Manifold Gasket Failure?

This gasket remains highly exposed to heat from the engine and pressure from within the vehicle; therefore, it is easily degraded over time. Aging, heat cycles to the engine and exposure to oil and other fluids weaken the gasket material and ultimately lead to cracking or warping. Even though you can extend the lifespan of the gasket with routine care, there is always a tendency that it will develop some level of failure; this is more common in high-performing or relatively older models of Land Rover.

How To Spot A Faulty Intake Manifold Gasket

• Check for Coolant Leaks: The intake manifold gasket seals the intake and exhaust runners so that the coolant does not mix with the engine. If the gasket is worn out this can cause leaks at the intake manifold. You could also find that there is a pool of coolant on the ground beneath your Land Rover or that the coolant is getting low more quickly than it should.
• Look Out for Engine Misfires: Another indication that your intake manifold gasket is failing is an engine misfire. In the event that the gasket has gone bad, it can let unmeasured air into the engine affecting the air-fuel mixture. This results in a misfire which is described as a feeling that your engine is not firing properly, like it stutters. It can lead to your Land Rover running roughly, power loss, and the car struggling to accelerate.
• Watch for Overheating Issues: Since the intake manifold gasket plays a role in maintaining the correct circulation of the coolant, a damaged gasket leads to loss of coolant which makes your engine overheat. You may find the temperature level indicator going high or above the normal levels or even hear some hissing noises coming from the engine compartment. This is very dangerous to the engine and as such should be detected early before it leads to warping or damage of engine components.
• Burning Coolant or Oil smell: The next sign to look out for is the smell of burning coolant or oil. When the intake manifold gasket goes bad, it may cause antifreeze or oil to leak into the engine combustion chamber or on the hot engine surfaces, giving off a burning smell. It can smell sweet or chemical, and you may notice it inside and out of the car.

What To Do When You Have A Failing Intake Manifold Gasket

If you experience any of these signs, then it is advised to take your vehicle for servicing by a technician. Ignoring the problems resulting from the intake manifold gasket can result in even bigger problems such as damage to the engine.

If you are a Land Rover owner from San Antonio, TX, Autobahn Automotive is ready to help with diagnostics and repair. We can examine the gasket, determine if there is any leakage and when there is, we replace it with a new one. You can count on our experts whether you want routine maintenance or just a one-time repair. Call us now to learn more about our services at Autobahn Automotive or to schedule your next Land Rover appointment.