P0171 code - cracked exhaust header. Replacement header options???

[rascole]

Well pretty sure I found what was throwing my P0171 code today. I followed my troubleshooting steps and have found the problem.....I hope. My next step was to replace the K&N CAI with the factory setup. After everything was re-installed I let it run for awhile and the light came right back. At this point I'm mad as hell so I take a beer and cigar break. While the 3 is idling the constant rattling noise was bugging the crap out of me so I find that it is the aluminum heat shield over the exhaust manifold that has a loose bolt. After closer inspection I find that 2 of the 4 bolts are completely gone, so I decide to just remove the shield and get a new one later. I ended up having to cut the old one with some snips in order to ease the removal. AND WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE....a cracked manifold on #5. So now I am trying to search for a replacement stock or aftermarket header. Don't really care but I would like to get some feedback from those of you that have had this problem or have replaced the stock manifold with a after market one. The next few days will be fun searching. On a side note, I noticed when I was cutting the heat shield ceramic dust was coming out from between the cavity between the aluminum layers. I am very familiar with this stuff and that tells me they put a lot of thought into this layered shield.

 

[alrock]

I'm staying OEM. I know the CAT will be good quality and the bolts will line up. For me, too much of a PITA to play with an aftermarket one. Do you have an 06? CaseyS had a take-off available.

I'm curious if that crack will be the cause of the code, or if you find another crack further down the line by the cat. Or if it also wasn't sealing well to the head.

 

[rascole]

alrock it is an 06, I'm thinking OEM as well more because there is so few after market choices out there from what I can see so far. I know price is gonna be up there, supply and demand.

 

[alrock]

Weird, the 06 OEM one is more $ than 07. 06 has more aftermarket options available, like on eBay. And considering the OEM price, I'd be more easily pushed to aftermarket. It starts being worth the gamble. For me, I'd probably stay closer to OEM style and get another cast iron one, perhaps by Dorman.

 

[rascole]

Most of what I could find is only 49 state legal. I need on for the tree hugger state of CA. Besides I heard stories from others that some after market cats are made with reused cat that may already be dead.

 

[humvee]

Get an Aftermarket header... I wish the manifold would crack on mine just so that I can justify the cost to myself!

Metablackworks headers (shorties)
Over the top headers
Orion headers (long tube)

All have 06 models. If you do end up installing one of these, give us feedback on performance. Double check the info above with the vendors, all this is from memory.

Also, Magnaflow sells one with a CAT.

 

[rascole]

I'm staying OEM. I know the CAT will be good quality and the bolts will line up. For me, too much of a PITA to play with an aftermarket one. Do you have an 06? CaseyS had a take-off available.

I'm curious if that crack will be the cause of the code, or if you find another crack further down the line by the cat. Or if it also wasn't sealing well to the head.

Just who might this CaseyS be?

 

[alrock]

I think that's the name. He's the guy that did the diesel conversion of his H3

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[cbetts]

alrock it is an 06, I'm thinking OEM as well more because there is so few after market choices out there from what I can see so far. I know price is gonna be up there, supply and demand.

Best to keep it OEM if you wish to keep it registered in California. I did a lot of research and it was not worth it to jump through the hurdles to get a 49-states approved after market unit here. Gonna be expensive if you get caught.

 

[CaseyS]

$100 plus shipping if you want it. PM me if interested. Its about 2 yrs old but in good condition.

 

[rascole]

Re-post from another thread I just discovered:
Wow, this appears to be a problem that is rearing its ugly head (pun intended) with higher mileage I5's with cast manifolds. I started another thread with my 06 so hopefully we can come up with a few good solutions for the future. I just talked to Magnaflow and the reason he said it is not CA legal is strictly the cost of getting the stamp of approval from the CARB (California Air Resource Board). This I am familiar with. Manufactures are responsible for extensive and costly testing of products before they will give approval. BS in my opinion if will pass federal why not Cali. Either way he said that he guarantees it will pass tail pipe emissions just not visual, if I was even able to get it shipped.

 

[rascole]

Best to keep it OEM if you wish to keep it registered in California. I did a lot of research and it was not worth it to jump through the hurdles to get a 49-states approved after market unit here. Gonna be expensive if you get caught.

cbetts, what did you buy? Where did you have it installed?

 

[rascole]

I just might try the JB Weld fix, $5 can't hurt the wallet too much.

 

[06 H3]

lol, JB weld is the ****! My buddy cracked his engine block on the trail and was leaking coolant everywhere! He got it home and JB welded the crack to stop the coolant from leaking and its been running like that since november and its fine. We went to the yard and picked up another engine for a more permanent fix lol

 

[cbetts]

cbetts, what did you buy? Where did you have it installed?

Zach hooked my up with a replacement and I had AAMCO install it for me. Zach was kind enough to also order a set of manifold bolts and both gaskets.