I know it is a common problem on Ford trucks, namely the 5.4L.

If not repaired, will it cause long term problems?

Generally speaking.. no.

If it gets really bad you risk burning a valve or catching something on fire in the engine compartment.

Thanks for the info. Appreciated

I guess I have 1 more question. Would you stay away from buying one with 60k miles that has this? I can get it for about 2k off tagged price.

An exhaust leak is just a gasket replacment . If that's all its an easy fix if you can get to it

The problem though is that with Fords, it is usually a broken bolt that causes it.

Still and easy fix. If you have the tools to get to it Ofc

Unfortunately, I do not have the tools(military living in barracks, so no real place to do major work to a vehicle)

You could do it with a few wrenches and maybe a socket set with and extension on the ground . But it wouldn't be to much to fix for a mechanic I dint think

you dont have a hobby shop on base? i thought most places do?


the 5.4's are not a great motor to start with, they are dogs.

and they are a pain in the ass to work on because they are tight.

the manifold may be cracked, or a broken bolt, or possibly just a bad gasket, in any case, none of them are really that hard to fix, gaskets are like 20$ maybe less, depending on what u buy

a cracked manifold is more expensive but still less than 100$ a side


and if its a bolt then its more difficult fix, (getting the old part out) but dirt cheap