Loss of power, rough operation, leak near exhaust manifold

I was driving around today, nothing out of the ordinary or rough. I was behind a car making a turn. After he had made his turn, I have it some gas.

As I did this, it began to run poorly and loudly. I backed off the throttle and babied it to my destination. I checked my fluids, any loose cables. None that I could see. I notice my check engine light is flashing at me.

I turn it off and let it cool for about 2 hours. I baby it back home with the same conditions. With it running, I see exhaust coming out near the manifold, where it connects to the block.

Any starting points to check? Thanks.

Does this motor have a new head or headgasket on it, or very low compression? If not, I would maybe have an exhaust shop check your cat convertor because it could be clogged, resulting in the exhaust gasket blow-out.

The main problem is the exhaust manifold gasket is blown, which is why the check engine light was flashing (o2 sensor couldn't read properly since exhaust gases were leaking everywhere). Your going to have to pull the exhaust manifold gasket to replace the gasket, which requires 1-2 cans of PB blaster and patience to remove the exhaust manifold bolts and the bolts connecting the manifold to the downpipe. I would soak the bolts well and let it sit for a few hours or overnight before trying to remove them.

No, no new heads or manifolds. It did have a timing belt replaced and the heads inspected 30K ago, though.

Sounds pretty reasonable. If anything, I'll cut the cats out. Live in a county that doesn't require emissions checks, and I don't plan on really selling this car.

Is there anything I should look for while taking the manifold off? I don't see any obvious obstructions, but is there something I should be watching out for? To make life a little easier. Thanks.


I suppose I couldn't cut the cats out, as I don't feel like buying a delete for the 02 sensor...

Is there a way to check the quality of the 02 sensors?

im having this same problem any help???

How many miles are on the car? I wouldn't trust an O2 sensor much past 100,000 miles.

I don't know about that. My '91 EGT is till running the factory 02 sensor with 211,000 miles. I bought it new and I do all the work to the car so I know it's still the one. My '91 Ranger 4x4 still running it's original with 206,000.