What is an intake manifold?
There are those who have never heard of an intake manifold and therefore have no idea what this part is for.
Well, to promote the airflow required to burn in an engine, a car engine has an intake manifold. This part ensures that air enters through the (air) filter and is then evenly distributed over the existing cylinders.
The inlet manifold is mounted on the heads of the cylinders, approximately at the height of the inlet valves, and is made of cast iron. So an intake manifold is different from an exhaust. An intake manifold provides 'inlet', an exhaust exhausts the gases released during combustion.
Air is required for combustion in an engine. To promote this airflow, there is an intake manifold on the engine. This intake manifold ensures that the air entering through the air filter is evenly distributed among the cylinders. The inlet manifold is mounted on the cylinder heads at the height of the inlet valves.
Little resistance, better flow
The pipes used for the intake manifold should be finished in such a way that there is as little resistance as possible to the air entering. All cylinders must receive the same amount of air. It is therefore also important that the inlet pipes have the same length.
A clogged intake manifold
An intake manifold can become contaminated by the exhaust gases circulating through the EGR valve in its own car engine. These exhaust gases leave a dirty soot layer in various parts. Both the diesel particulate filter and the intake manifold can clog a result of which the power is reduced from the vehicle, and higher fuel consumption.
Identify broken intake manifold
A clogged intake manifold is difficult to spot. Because the silting up is gradual, you will not immediately notice the car. However, over a longer period, this can lead to higher fuel consumption.
Crackling sound
When the intake manifold is it can give a crackling sound from the engine compartment. It is not advisable to drive on, as harmful gases can be formed. The heat can also cause a fire hazard.
Leaking intake manifold
For example, a leaking intake manifold is caused by a crack in the manifold. The result is that the engine becomes polluted because so-called 'false' air is drawn into the engine. In addition to air, the leak or crack also draws dirt into the engine, causing problems with the engine.
Consequences of close intake manifold
The consequences of a closed intake manifold are:
- A higher fuel consumption (over time)
- Burning warning lights on the dashboard
- Clogged particulate filter
- Broken or dirty EGR valve
- Less pulling power / less power
- Dirty exhaust gases / bad for the environment
- More wear on the car
See also: Symptoms of the dirty intake manifold
Relation to the EGR Valve
The intake manifold is directly connected to the EGR valve. The EGR Valve has the function to return the exhaust gases to the engine and burn them because this is better for the environment. During this process, the exhaust gases leave soot in the overall engine system. Often the contamination of the EGR valve and the intake manifold go together. Here it also applies that often the entire inlet circuit must be cleaned.
The particulate filter
Also for the diesel particulate filter, the pollution of the intake manifold and particulate filter goes together.
Clean or replace inlet manifold
A dirty intake manifold can be cleaned. A proper mechanic should be able to do this for you. If the intake manifold proves to be damaged, it can be replaced.
Replace, remove or clean a particulate filter
Often contamination of the intake manifold is accompanied by contamination of the EGR valve and particulate filter. Here is what can be done:
- Clean the diesel particulate filter
- Replace the particulate filter
A car with a faulty intake manifold may cost too much to fix. If you have a car with a faulty intake manifold, you can consider selling it for cash. There are many cash for cars services available to choose from.
