GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I just started hearing a ticking noise when I accelerate. It's been getting worse here lately and can smell exhaust under the hood at the back with it running. I've tried replacing the manifold gasket and now seems worse than before. Was told from the dealership the manifolds go out right around now, I'm at 90k mi. I've been looking for a aftermarket header, found one for a Matrix XRS on ebay for about the same price as a stock form the dealer or one from elsewhere for $380 for an XR. Is there any difference between my Vibe GT and an XRS or the XR in this matter? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors....m245h ... ex....aspx

I've actually come across the same problem with my 03 GT. My exhaust is quite loud, kinda makes a puttering sound upon acceleration. And I'm at 95k.

Couple of things to look for.Make sure you have the right gasket,there are 2 types.You should always replace the donut gasket where the header meets the mid-pipe.Manifolds only leak if they are warped or cracked or not tightened properly.

oh and btw... DC Sports header for the GT is only $320 shipped thru neverenough.http://www.neverenoughauto.com...=1698

the manifold shouldnt go out, thats one of the parts that usually lasts as long as the engine will or longer. UNLESS its cracked. its usually the gasket or its not fully connected exhaust. Do you have stock exhaust and header? that is a very common issue for people after they install a aftermarket header was it wasnt fully seated when installed so air leaks out the gasket area. if its a vibe base (1zz) i have a extra manifold (stock) to sell!

Quote, originally posted by amishbuggy » Is there any difference between my Vibe GT and an XRS or the XR in this matter?To answer your question, no there is no difference between the Vibe GT and the Matrix XRS motor. The header should fit. That being said, at least glance through the other posts as they are correct, the header should last as long as the block unless there are other problems (failed gasket, improper torquing).I'd check to make sure you don't have any issues at the downpipe or in the exhaust hangers. These could open up that donut gasket and cause leaking there. Unfortunately, if you tell a dealer you are concerned about a leak in the manifold, they will only check the manifold and/or recommend replacement.You can always use incense or a cigarette to check for leaks. As you move the incense closer to the joints, if they leak you will see the smoke being blown away (or at the intake manifold, sucked in). At least you will know where the leak is.

What would my torque specs be for the manifold and at the midpipe?

We bought our "03 Vibe GT with 75K miles & soon there after noticed the exhaust "ticking" sound. Only occurred during hard accel in 1st-3rd when the engine torqued up the front donut gasket between manifold / cat pipe - once removed it was easy to see the worn away area that was leaking. Used Fel Pro P/N 61190 at 80K miles & noticed the same sound may be starting back up again at 120K.

My 2003 GT started making chugging "muffler" noises around 100K but coming from engine area. Out of town mechanic said it was a very unusual cracked manifold. My regular mechanic replaced the round gasket where the manifold drops down from the engine to meet the tailpipe. That did the trick -- BUT -- it's started up again about 3 months later. He's got it now. Will update.

Oddly enough I now have this sound that is a fluttering/ticking noise that gets louder as you run the RPMs up in the first 3 or 4 gears, it seems to diminish once your in 5th and 6th gear..........BUT is always there when gas is applied or you start to go up a hill in higher gears, right before you downshift. I had suspicions that it was the Donut gasket at the manifold/midpipe connection. Has others since this first post wast posted had the same issues and did the Donut gasket replacement fix it? For those who replaced the donut and found it to be the source of the noise, what do you attribute the noise coming back in 3 months to? This is a very bothersome noise, it really makes you sound like your driving a hooptie. Any new information on this topic would be GREAT! I have the donut gasket and im gonna replace it, Conrads said they found no leak at this joint because It showed no carbon tracing from a worn out gasket, I still think there is one and after finding these posts.............im even more sure. I have already pulled the top manifold heat shield off and inspected the manifold to head mounting points, theres appears no reason to believe its leaking there, and the noise seems to sound like its closer to the ground while im driving and hearing it ( hence my reason for thinking that donut gasket was leaking) car has 132,000 miles................guess that's not too bad for a donut gasket.

keep me posted.

Thanks guys!

John

2005 Vibe GT

just replaced the donut gasket between the header/exh. manifold and midpipe and the sound is gone! Yea me!

MaxxVibe wrote:just replaced the donut gasket between the header/exh. manifold and midpipe and the sound is gone! Yea me!

Congrats MaxxVibe!

I have a 2005 base model and I noticed exhaust leaks coming from the exhaust manifold shield. I plan to do an exhaust leak test with white smoke and find exactly where the leak is. I'm hoping there's no crack. So without seeing inside the shield at the moment, I'm assuming the leak is coming from the flange. How long did it take you to replace it? Did you encounter any difficulty removing the sheilds flange fittings, pipe? I'm looking to order and found "Felpro Part Number: 4821-07021222 Notes: Exhaust Pipe Flange Gasket -- Converter". Is this the "donut gasket" you were referring to? Is there any other parts I need to add i.e. flange kit? And lastly what was the torque spec?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks
JP