How to Replace the Exhaust Manifold in a Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra debuted in 2000 and welcomed competition against the pickups produced by the Big Three auto manufacturers. Ultimately the Tundra found its biggest audience in the recreational pickup buyers rather than the hardcore truck enthusiasts. Toyota has made improvements and upgrades over the years. The following steps guide you through the installation and removal of the exhaust manifold in the 2000 to 2002 V6 model years.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Remove the Exhaust Manifold

   • 1

     Take the negative cable from the battery terminal. Coat the exhaust manifold fasteners with penetrating oil and let is soak in for several minutes.

   • 2

     Remove the exhaust crossover pipe from the rear of the cylinder heads. Remove the EGR pipe from the manifold, then loose and remove the bolts that hold the exhaust manifold to the cylinder heads.

   • 3

     Inspect the manifolds and the fasteners for damage or cracks. Replace them as needed.

   • 4

     Scrape all the old gasket material from the manifold and cylinder mating surfaces. Use a solvent and compressed air as necessary to remove all carbon deposits.

   Install the Exhaust Manifold

   • 1

     Place the new gaskets over the studs on the cylinder heads. Align the exhaust manifolds over the new gaskets.

   • 2

     Set the mounting nuts in place and finger-tighten them. Tighten the nuts in sequence, working out from the center. Make three or fours passes over the nuts to torque them to 30 foot pounds.

   • 3

     Reinstall the components in reverse order of their removal. Reconnect the exhaust pipes with new gaskets.

   • 4

     Reconnect the negative battery cable to the terminal. Start the engine. Check for exhaust leaks.