Q: If the intake manifold has a huge piece broken off of it will the car still start then cut off ?

asked by on November 25, 2016

I recently discovered a piece of my manifold broken off while changing the rear valve cover,coils and plugs. I kind of made it way worse now it's two times bigger than before. When I try to start the car it starts then shuts right off. I'm guessing it's due to the vacuum leak. Any temporary fixes or only new installation is required ?

My car has 220000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Intake Manifold Gaskets Replacement $166.06 - $992.76 Get a Quote

If the broken off piece is admitting unmetered air to the intake, then yes that will have the effect of stalling the engine. A big initial concern is be sure no debris gets in there because anything in the intake will be sucked into the engine with potentially disastrous consequences. So, if you are awaiting a repair tape over the hole or somehow close it off. I was going to suggest taping it shut with duct tape so you can attempt to use the car temporarily but that is actually pretty risky because if the tape breaks free that itself will be drawn into the engine. Basically, the safest and most efficient thing to do is just get it repaired. If that is all that is wrong (or broken), it is no big deal and a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could be dispatched, if you desire, to replace the intake manifold and gasket right at your home. The manifold is probably a dealer only item, so that has to be checked. Used manifolds might be available at lower cost via Car-part.com but the savings have to be substantial (at least 50% off new) to justify using a used part in this case.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

The dash shows warning lights on, the alarm goes off
It is possible that you could be experiencing an alternator failure (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-alternator). When alternators fail, they can cause a number of electrical issues (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/electric-problems-inspection) to occur that seem unrelated. My best recommendation would be to have your battery and alternator...
Engine shakes, shuts off 1992 Volvo 740
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 1992 Volvo 740. There are many things that can cause a shake like a worn ignition system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-a-car-ignition-system-works) or broken engine mounts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement). Being a '92, there is not an OBD-II connector,...
No brake lights working and won't shift out of park.
Hello there, you have a few different things going on with your Ford E-350. You did not state if the vehicle will start or not with these problems. If the vehicle will not start and it has these faults the...
I have a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe with bent valves on both heads. I'm wondering if this is worth fixing?
Hello, thanks for writing in. I will try to help you with this. If the car has no other significant repair needs (i.e., costs), the calculation is fairly straightforward. If other repairs are required it is much more complicated. So,...
Tcs light and check engine light
Hello, thank you for writing in. When check engine lights illuminate, the first step to take is to have it scanned for diagnostic codes. These are the codes that trigger when a sensor or computer detects any issues. This can...
My starter does not engage when it is really cold outside in my 1998 Ford Expedition
If your starter is just clicking when it is cold outside then you either have a defective starter, or you have an issue with the battery. If the battery voltage is low enough then the vehicle will do this. I...
loud squeaking noise when i start car in cod weather and when i turn corners it does go away.
Typically, a loud squeal on a cold start could be belt related. As belts age, the rubber becomes harder and glazes a bit. This can cause a brief, or constant, squealing. Also, belt tension can cause squealing as well. If...
Regarding engine flush 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
Hi - by "system flush", I understand you to mean a flush treatment (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-it-mean-to-flush-fluids-in-a-car) of the engine proper, to clean out oil sludge. An oil flush sometimes uses a product called Seafoam to do so. An oil system flush with...
Front passenger wheel is leaking brake fluid
Hi there. Thanks for contacting us today. One of our mobile mechanics would be more than happy to come to your location to complete a brake fluid is leaking inspection, so they can determine what is causing the leak and...

Related articles

Tips for Taking Care of Your Exhaust System
Your Your car’s exhaust system might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to engine performance or personal safety, but it should be pretty high on that list. Your engine combusts fuel and air in order...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan Altima
While While it may not be quite as modern and sporty looking as some other models, the 2012 Nissan Altima is still a huge contender in the mid-size sedan category. With both four- and six-cylinder options and a CVT (continuously...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Farmer
If If you're a farmer, you know that what you need isn’t a used car – it’s a used pickup truck. How else are you going to haul around hay, implements, garden produce, fertilizer, and all the other things you...