Warning Signs of a Failing Intake Manifold Assembly:
- Rough idling, especially when the engine is cold
- Engine misfires, causing a shaky or uneven feel
- Loss of power and poor acceleration
- Check Engine Light illuminated on the dashboard
- Whistling or hissing noises coming from the engine bay
- Reduced fuel economy
Testing the Intake Manifold Assembly:
- Visual Inspection: Check for cracks, leaks, or damage to the manifold itself and its gaskets.
- Smoke Test: A smoke test can reveal leaks in the intake system. Smoke is introduced into the system, and any escaping smoke indicates a leak.
- Carburetor Cleaner Test: With the engine running, spray carburetor cleaner around the intake manifold gaskets. If the engine speed changes, it indicates a vacuum leak.
- Scan Tool Diagnosis: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for trouble codes related to the intake system, such as misfire codes or lean/rich codes.
Common Causes of Failure:
- Cracks in the plastic manifold due to heat and age
- Deteriorated or cracked gaskets causing vacuum leaks
- Failure of the DISA valve (if equipped)
- Clogging from carbon buildup, especially in direct-injection engines