Is it safe to drive my car like this???

[Saleen311]

I have an exhaust leak after the exhaust manifold on the passenger side because on of the studs are stripped. I couldnt get the o/r x on tight enough. The check engine light is on but I have MIL eliminators. Is this because of back pressure or is it the first O2 sensors picking this up? My plan is to just put shorty headers on it which wont done until like 2 weeks from now because I havent ordered them yet. Is it safe to drive until I get the headers on?

 

[BooWFO]

I won't suggest it if at all possible. Your front o2's are reading. Odds are that is the code.
Some believe you can damage an engine with an exhaust leak so close. ( pulling in cold air into hot combustion chamber)

Things to try to fix the problem.
1. replace the doghnut gasket on passenger side.
2. put some washers under the nut so they are what is pulling the pipe in. thereby hopefully allowing you to fully tighten pipe.

 

[Saleen311]

I won't suggest it if at all possible. Your front o2's are reading. Odds are that is the code.
Some believe you can damage an engine with an exhaust leak so close. ( pulling in cold air into hot combustion chamber)

Things to try to fix the problem.
1. replace the doghnut gasket on passenger side.
2. put some washers under the nut so they are what is pulling the pipe in. thereby hopefully allowing you to fully tighten pipe.

OH MY GOD. Why didnt I think of that?????? Thank you.

 

[forum155pl]

hahaha... thats the way my passanger side header is too.. 2 fat washers on each stud.. works good.. been that way for about 6 months now..

 

[Bolt on 5.0]

Yeh your cel will be on for a lean code with a exhaust manifold leak. I wouldnt drive it to much like that being the computer will try to richen up the mixture because of that reading.