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Could it be this?

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Old Apr 22, 2026 | 03:25 PM
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Could it be this?

Vehicle: 1997 E350 6.8L 86K miles, always in southern CA.
Issue: P0171

I have watched a few videos on troubleshooting the error code. I have just cleaned the MAF with the appropriate cleaner. During this time, I also removed the doghouse engine cover to get a peek at the exhaust manifold to verify the the exhast leak that I can hear is due to the cheap bolts shearing off and look what I found... this weird slot in the manifold.

Could this be the cause of the P0171? or just the loudest exhast leak. Or could it be a secret place to insert a nickle for an extra turbo boost?

I appreciate your related guidance / feedback!



 
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Old Apr 22, 2026 | 11:14 PM
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That is strange. An exhaust leak should not suck air into the manifold (I think). It needs to be plugged/fixed but I think your problem is somewhere else where these is vacuum. Curious what others have to say.
 
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Old Apr 23, 2026 | 06:33 AM
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agreed. that will cause an exhaust leak, not a vacuum issue
 
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Old Apr 23, 2026 | 07:56 AM
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Some air will come in
It will cause that O2 sensor to run lean
Similar to getting air in a A/C system, and then needing evacuated and recharged
When the freon exits, air comes in
 
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Old Apr 23, 2026 | 08:26 AM
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How long have you owned the van?

Maybe a PO tried a hack to pass a smog test.
 
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Old Apr 23, 2026 | 12:51 PM
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I have owned it for about 15 months. It was smogged prior to the sale. I noticed the sound of the exhaust leak about a year ago and the CEL came on after that, not too sure how close of which may by the sign that is is the root cause.

Can I just have a muffler shop weld the slot closed?

 
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Old Apr 23, 2026 | 02:23 PM
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i would try JB weld on it first. much cheaper than paying to weld it.
manifolds are hard to weld, they need to be preheated and welded with a special rod, then slowly cooled to prevent cracking.
 
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Old Apr 23, 2026 | 02:31 PM
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JB Weld makes exhaust repair wrap.
JB Weld Exhaust Repair
 
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Old Apr 23, 2026 | 04:25 PM
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What is that squiggly line of metal directly under the slot?
 
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Old Apr 23, 2026 | 05:51 PM
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I would jam high temp gasket material or similar into the slot and wrap and clamp manifold I insulation tape around it. Any glue product never seems to work on old, rusty stuff.
 
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