Final ShoTs

So for the past 3 months I thought I was hearing the sound of a leaking muffler, but after inspecting the muffler it turned out not to be. The noise has been increasing and I think that it is my head gasket. Is replacing the head gasket a hard task to tackle?

Bob_esper

no its not very difficult but is there any other reason you think its a head gasket? never heard of one making a noise. are you sure its not just an exhaust leak at the collector or something like that?

Final ShoTs

I've checked the whole exhaust system, so the head gasket is my last guess?

ezab

You should do a compression test to make sure it is the head gasket. My guess would be a cracked exhaust manifold from what you have said.

Final ShoTs

okay ill do that, and if it turns out being the exhaust manifold which brand would you guys recommend?

ezab

I have always bought the cheap ones on eBay but eventually they are going to crack too. I think I am going with a stock manifold from a 2000+ Jeep, they are 2 piece and cast iron so cracking is unlikely. You would have to replace the pipe that attached to it though.

tjwalker

I agree. NO WAY should you replace the head gasket on a hunch.

A compression test is pretty easy to do and is a good "snapshot in time" on the internal condition of the engine. It is the gold standard test to troubleshoot a blown headgasket.

But I think your problem lies somewhere else than your headgasket.