My 98 F-150 (V-6) just started to have an exhaust or exhaust manifold leak when cold. It only seems to do it when its cold, and then totally goes away after only 1-2 minutes when warm, its sounds like an exhaust donut leaking or exh. leak. But the owner at my lacal Meinekee muffler shop (who I trust very well) said its more than likely my exhaust manifold because if it was an exh. donut of part of the exhaust it wouldn't go away like that & then come back when cold......what do you guys think? Is this comon?
my mechanic told me when I bought the truck it looked like the engine was rebuilt, or at least the heads were done, and someone had added exhaust gaskets (which stock had no head gaskets), and they looked relatively new. Why would it be leaking now then? Is it hard to fix? Do I need to completely replace the exh. manifold gasket? Can I just tighten the bolts? How can I tighten the bolts without chance of breaking one? And is it dangerous for the engine to drive it like this? even though it goes away completely after 1-2 minutes?

Phil

 

I had the same problem with my 98 xlt, brought it to Midas and they couldn't find anything wrong. Went to the dealer I bought it from and after checking found out it was the converter. replaced it free because it's under warranty until 80k miles. Might want to check it out.

 

Turns out it wasen't the exh. manifold, but the donut gasket! Much easier & less costly to fix.....

Phil