ndtguy1

My company has a number of early 98 Dodges
equipped with the 24 valve engines. One day
while changing the air filter on one of the units,
I noticed multiple cracks in the "crotch" of the
exhaust manifold. Our ex mechanic (now an
independent) came in, gave her the eye and
said "dis is no good". So off it came and by the
time it was all said and done, the tab was ~$800.

Now I've been looking at the other 98 trucks and
have found cracks in 4 out of 6 units!!! Also,
I noticed/suspect that Dodge made a mod/revision
to the manifold as the 2 manifolds that aren't cracked
appear to have more "meat" in this area.

What are the consequences of letting this condition ride???
I could see a loss of power/boost & potential turbo damage
but what other concerns should we have???

I've seen from past correspondence on this forum that
this problem isn't a new thing but it seemed to always be
the case of one owner/one truck; not 5 out of 7 (so far!!!)
What is Dodges position on this??? Does anyone know
of a "secret/extended" warranty on these components???

jimjawz

You wont see a power/boost loss until it starts to leak exhaust gasses from these cracks.You can tell a leak is a leak if there is a black coating around crack.I would'nt worry about it untill they leak...but what do I KNOW<I have never seen a cracked manifold on a ctd.

Copenhagenjunkie

Welcome to the site.
Both my dad ('99) and I have cracked manifolds in the area you describe. My dad's was far worse (his is fixed) with several cracks and black soot showing. He claimed no loss of power and ran his for at least 1 yr to the point where it was going to come apart :.
Mine has had a small crack for 2 yrs now and until it get's much worse I am not going to replace it.
The ATS manifold is by far much better than the stock manifold but is around 2x as much as the stock one which is around $150 to $180 Am. $. I don't know about canadian prices and conversion to Am. $ but $800 seems kinda high.

It you decide to change yours yourself spray liquid wrench or wd-40 on the manifold bolts over several weeks in advance so they might come out easier. Most do not come out easily and it is not uncommon to have some snap. You will also need to replace the gaskets and I would use new bolts or at least chase the threads.
Hope this helps.

EricBu12

Do yourself and your wallet a favor and get the ATS 3 piece manifold. I drive a interstate truck and the N-14 Cummins has this kind of 3 piece manifold for it's engines. The manifold Dodge puts on these is a way to save a buck.

www.atsturbo.com

Here is the link to the actual product

http://www.atsturbo.com/products/pro...il.php3?prod=9

Ramflasher

I agree with Eric...the ATS is designed to expand and contract a little bit, so it will not crack like the stock manifold...money well spent! ;D

jrs_dodge_diesel

I wonder if a quick job with the MIG welder could fix this? Or would that idea be more of a temporary thing?

thumper 549

its cast right????...if it is wont work.period. takes a special proces to weld cast stuff

Helicopter Dan

Mig welding won't work, but I have had cast iron manifolds welded by a local machine shop and they've lasted a long time. Also have had head welded with no problems. the shop does alot of repairs on cast iron and alum, just ask around your area to find someone thats done that type of welding. Another thing you might try is calling piers or some other venders to see if they changed a customers truck to a three piece and have a spare manifold laying around.

pro puller

I got a spare manifold id sell if anybody is interested.

Kurt