Intake Manifold Gasket

The intake manifold is an aluminum, steel or plastic cover that sits on top of the engine. It is attached to the top of the engine by an intake manifold gasket (or gaskets) that is made of plastic and rubber. The intake manifold directs the air-fuel mixture in the engine to the corresponding cylinder where it is burned to produce power. The coolant flows through the intake manifold to the cylinder heads to reduce engine temperature. Expansion, contraction, and heat from the engine cause the gasket to fail. This will cause coolant passing through the intake manifold to leak. A leaky manifold gasket can also result in air being sucked through the leaky gasket, resulting in a vacuum leak and poor engine performance.

Keep in mind:
When an intake manifold gasket fails, it can leak coolant into the engine and contaminate the engine oil, so in some cases it will be necessary to change the oil in conjunction with this service.