Symptoms of a failing Lower Intake Manifold Gasket

Check engine warning light is on

Ignoring the check engine warning light doesn’t make you cool and rebellious. It just makes you a person willing to put off their problems only to deal with bigger consequences down the road. Sorry to break it to you. When the lower intake manifold gasket calls out sick, the fuel-to-air ratio in your car’s engine will be disrupted, and it won’t run properly.

Engine performs poorly

Here’s the thing. If the fuel-to-air ratio in your engine is messed up, you’ll feel it with your right foot. The engine combustion will be all out of sorts, resulting in acceleration that is hesitant, jerky, or just plain uninspiring.

Coolant leaks

Leaks aren’t good, from your car, your sink, you’re...you know what, let’s move on. Hopefully this isn’t news, but when your car is leaking something, that’s not a great sign. Your car has a lot of different fluids in it, so a leak can represent a number of different issues. One such issue is a busted lower intake manifold gasket. In some cars, the manifold gaskets help seal in the coolant (which is used to cool down the engine).If the lower intake manifold gasket breaks, that fluid may leak out of your car.

Engine overheating

So, if you were paying any attention to the last paragraph, you know that the manifold gaskets often provide a seal for the engine coolant and motor oil. The coolant circulates around the engine, absorbing heat, and keeping the engine from overheating. Long story short: If your car is low on coolant, the engine may end up overheating. So pay attention to the engine temperature gauge on your dashboard. Oh, and pay attention to the warning lights. Did I mention that one?

Low fluid levels

Here’s a good thing to get in the habit of doing: Checking your fluid levels. It takes five minutes, max, and it will make you feel like you’re a smart and responsible car owner. It can also save you a lot of hassle and money. If you notice that your coolant levels are low, you may have a leak. And that leak may be from the lower intake manifold gasket.