2004.5 RAM/Cummins exhaust manifold leak advice needed

I'd do all the gaskets while you are in there. It's just as easy once you are there, and it's relatively cheap.

Of the two options you are looking at, I would vote ATS, mostly for the ceramic coating.

If you have some extra funds, I would suggest a https://steedspeed.com/ manifold. Fantastic manifolds with great features. If you get one, get the external waste gate pedestal. An external waste gate provides great head gasket protection, as well as providing the capability to tune your turbo for peak efficiency.

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Originally Posted by Grant H.

I'd do all the gaskets while you are in there. It's just as easy once you are there, and it's relatively cheap.

Of the two options you are looking at, I would vote ATS, mostly for the ceramic coating.

If you have some extra funds, I would suggest a https://steedspeed.com/ manifold. Fantastic manifolds with great features. If you get one, get the external waste gate pedestal. An external waste gate provides great head gasket protection, as well as providing the capability to tune your turbo for peak efficiency.

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Thanks.

Again, not looking for massive upgrades, just the most cost effective and reliable fix. I've only got 60K on this truck. Yes, you heard right, 60K.

I think I'm first going to pick up a set of gaskets and try to just replace them. If I break a bolt, then plan B TBD. I have another vehicle, but want to get this sorted out well before towing season (lake trips) start.

As it stands now, I also need a full driveline fluid service and to adjust the trans bands. I replaced the pan with a Magtec around 10K and realize I haven't done the proper trans service on it since.

I soaked it down in PB today because I had some, maybe I'll see if NAPA has proper gaskets for not too much $$$ and tackle it this weekend.

If a gasket is loosened from its torque it needs to be replaced loosening the manifold and slipping in a new on the suspect cylinder is asking for trouble.

New studs and nuts for everything new turbo gaskets straight edge the manifold follow factory torque procedures.

Buy the parts from a cummins factory dealer and you get one year 100k warranty

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DFBrews

If a gasket is loosened from its torque it needs to be replaced loosening the manifold and slipping in a new on the suspect cylinder is asking for trouble.

New studs and nuts for everything new turbo gaskets straight edge the manifold follow factory torque procedures.

Buy the parts from a cummins factory dealer and you get one year 100k warranty

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Rocky Mountain Cummins used to be a client, but it's been a lifetime... Not even sure they're at the same location.

Shoot me a pm. All I need is an engine serial number

Well, after further inspection (to get the engine serial#) I find this is a bigger problem.

The bad - exhaust manifold is cracked.

The worse - the turbo exhaust side flange also appears to be leaking/cracked.

[Bang]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by brutal

Well, after further inspection (to get the engine serial#) I find this is a bigger problem.

The bad - exhaust manifold is cracked.

The worse - the turbo exhaust side flange also appears to be leaking/cracked.

[Bang]

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Turbo exhaust band tight?

got any pictures?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by brutal

The worse - the turbo exhaust side flange also appears to be leaking/cracked.

[Bang]

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I've seen my fair share but I never seen one crack (not that it hasn't happened). You probably need a new flange gasket and mounting hardware too. The Gasket usually has a couple clamp tabs that poke out on two of the corners which can give the appearance of cracks when the gasket goes tits up. If it's the back side to the exhaust, those vband clamps like to crack after a while too.

I'll try to get pics in the light tomorrow.

Pretty clear to me that by the soot marks on the turbo housing and a hairline crack, it's fuxored.