1993 HB 3.0L Exhaust Leak?

[jasonspelts]

I have a Hardbody with a 3.0L engine (1993)

I'm not a mechanic, so wanted to double-check here. Hoping someone can verify my "diagnosis".

Sounds a lot like an exhaust leak. It's kind of a cross between a knock and a "PFFFT". Noise seems to be coming out of the exhaust (passenger) side of the engine.

The only reason I'm double-checking is because it only does it when accelerating, going up a hill, or with a load. If it's idle, I can't hear it (ie: driveway). Once it achieves and holds any stable RPM, the noise goes away (ie: you can hear it while you're getting up to 55mph, but once you're there it stops).

My wild guess is that it needs a new exhaust manifold gasket. But wanted to double-check, the whole "only while accelerating" thing makes me think I'm missing something...

Thanks,
Jason

[whomadewho]

Could be the manifold gasket. Could also be a cracked exhaust manifold or a exhaust pipe flange leaking due to gasket failure or loose bolts or studs or both.