Exhaust manifold gaskets blowing ?

Hi folks,

I have been driving long enough to know the sound blowing manifold gaskets make, problem is that both sides seem to be blowing. I have taken off one drivers side heat shield to have a look but can see no obvious signs of a blow !
Its certainly not the joint from manifold to the system but just can't seem to locate the problem.

I hear manifolds can crack but assumed that was just the cast iron ones ?
Wish I could see to blow to justify the effort...

It also hunts which I am pretty sure is down the blowing gaskets... so want to solve this before moving onto other reasons for the hunting !
Are the gaskets prown to blow? and both side ?

Cheers,

Stu

Find somewhere where smoke won't get you in trouble, pour a couple of tablespoon's worth of brake fluid into the inlet when the car is running, the smoke will soon reveal any leaks.

Also try when the light is going, and a powerful and thin beamed torch might show up any whisps....

Other than the gaskets it is also "common" for the manifold to crack at flexible portion. This happened to me and can be rather difficult to spot. Stuckagainsteve's suggestion regarding the brake fluid should help tho'

StuckAgainSteve said:

Find somewhere where smoke won't get you in trouble, pour a couple of tablespoon's worth of brake fluid into the inlet when the car is running, the smoke will soon reveal any leaks.

Click to expand...

I am confused as to the inlet ?
not sure how to get anything into the inlet at all ...
Spark plug out maybe, chuck some stuff in ?

Thanks,

Stu

Any convenient place on the inlet plenum or manifold were you can pull a pipe off and squirt some brake fluid in. Be prepared for some serious smoke! No where near a motorway please!!