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Chevrolet Aveo T200 factory workshop and repair manual

Purpose: explain, in order, what to do and why when replacing/repairing the exhaust manifold on a Chevrolet Aveo T200 (theory + procedural sequence). No extra questions.

1) Quick theory — why manifolds fail
- The exhaust manifold collects hot exhaust pulses and bolts to the aluminum head. Repeated heating/cooling cycles, vibration and uneven bolt preload cause warping, cracks or gasket failure.
- A leak lets exhaust escape before the catalytic converter and O2 sensors, causing noise, smells, possible burns, incorrect O2 readings (lean/erratic), rough idle, loss of power and engine codes.
- Repair restores a sealed, rigid path so exhaust flows through the catalytic converter and sensors as designed; it removes leaks that change sensor signals and backpressure.

2) Symptoms that point to the manifold
- Audible ticking/hissing from front of engine when cold or under load.
- Exhaust smell in engine bay or cabin.
- Check Engine light: O2 sensor related codes, misfire codes, or catalyst efficiency codes.
- Visible soot or exhaust staining at the manifold/head joint.

3) Preparation (what to have and why)
- Parts: correct manifold gasket(s), new manifold bolts/studs if recommended, replacement heat shield if damaged.
- Tools: penetrating oil, sockets/wrenches, breaker bar, extension, torque wrench, oxygen-sensor socket, jack and stands (if needed), pry bar, wire brush, gasket scraper, anti-seize (on sensor threads), thread locker/Loctite only if specified by manual.
- Safety: work on a cold engine, disconnect negative battery, use jack stands if lifting car, wear gloves/eye protection. Reason: hot metal, electrical safety, vehicle stability.

4) Diagnostic verification (do before disassembly)
- Confirm leak location by listening (stethoscope or screwdriver handle) while someone revs engine, or use smoke/soapy water to find escaping exhaust.
- Inspect visually for soot / cracks. Confirm O2 sensor upstream behavior with live data if available (fluctuating/fast switching inconsistent with conditions).

5) Removal — ordered steps with theory
1. Cool engine, disconnect negative battery. (Prevents burns and electrical shorts.)
2. Raise car if needed and secure on stands to access underside. Support exhaust downstream of manifold (prevent stress on bolts when disconnected). (Prevents weight pulling on flanges/studs.)
3. Remove any intake/engine covers and heat shields blocking access. (Clear working space and avoid damaging shields.)
4. Unplug/remove upstream O2 sensor(s) using oxygen-sensor socket; set aside with protective cap. (Avoid sensor damage and contamination.)
5. Apply penetrating oil to manifold bolts/studs and let soak. (Reduce chance of breaking bolts in aluminum head.)
6. Loosen and remove flange nuts/bolts connecting the manifold to the downpipe/catalytic converter. Support the downpipe so it won’t drop. (Separates assembly safely.)
7. Remove manifold-to-head bolts/studs in a pattern that minimizes stress; remove the manifold. If studs are seized, remove carefully to avoid head damage. (Relieves clamped stress and allows inspection.)
8. Remove old gaskets and inspect mating surfaces. (You must restore flat, clean surfaces for sealing.)

6) Inspection and cleaning — ordered and why
1. Inspect manifold: look for visible cracks (especially near the flange and collector), warped flange, and broken welds. Minor warp may be machineable; cracks require replacement. (Cracks are source of leak.)
2. Inspect head mating surface for warpage or damage, and for stripped or elongated bolt holes. (Head damage changes clamping ability.)
3. Clean the head and manifold mating surfaces with a gasket scraper and non-surface-damaging brush. Remove carbon, old gasket material and oil. (A clean, flat surface ensures gasket seals.)
4. Check bolts/studs: measure if necessary. Replace bolts/studs showing stretch, thread damage or corrosion. (Stretch or damaged fasteners won’t provide correct preload.)

7) Installation — ordered steps with theory
1. Prepare new gasket(s) and manifold. Do not use RTV unless the manual specifies it for specific locations. Place gasket on head; ensure correct orientation. (Gasket is the sealing element; wrong placement leaks.)
2. If studs are used, install/replace studs and hand-tighten. If bolts are used, insert and hand-start all bolts. Use anti-seize on bolt threads only if specified by OE instructions (be cautious: anti-seize changes torque-tension relationship). (Hand-starting prevents cross-threading.)
3. Seat the manifold against the head and hand-tighten bolts in the recommended pattern to bring the manifold down evenly. The goal: eliminate point loading that causes warping.
4. Torque bolts in incremental steps in the specified tightening sequence (criss-cross or center-out), e.g. snug all to a low torque, then intermediate, then final to factory torque. Use a calibrated torque wrench. (Incremental torque clamps evenly and avoids distortion.)
5. Reconnect manifold-to-downpipe flange and torque to spec. Replace exhaust flange gasket if present. Support exhaust so there’s no undue stress on the manifold. (Proper flange torque prevents new leak and avoids stressing head/manifold.)
6. Reinstall heat shields and other components removed; reinstall O2 sensor, using anti-seize only on sensor threads where manufacturer recommends and avoid contaminating sensor tip. Reconnect electrical connectors. (Protects sensors and shields heat.)
7. Reconnect battery.

8) Post-install checks and break-in
- Start engine and listen for leaks. If unsure, use a shop rag held near flange while an assistant revs engine briefly to feel for leak (be careful of moving parts and heat) or use a smoke machine.
- Scan for codes and watch live O2 sensor data; values should stabilize.
- After a few heat cycles, re-torque manifold bolts to spec if the manual recommends. Thermal cycling can change clamp load.
- Road test and confirm noise/driveability fixed.

9) How the repair fixes the fault — theory tied to actions
- Replacing the gasket/manifold restores a continuous, sealed exhaust path; this eliminates escaping exhaust gases that cause ticking/noise and the smell.
- A sealed upstream system ensures the upstream O2 sensor sees true exhaust composition; ECU fuel trims and ignition timing restore correct mixtures, eliminating misfires, poor idle and false CELs.
- Correct flange alignment and bolt preload prevent future leaks and reduce stress concentrations that cause cracks. Replacing damaged studs/bolts prevents loss of clamping force over time.
- Supporting and properly aligning the downstream pipe prevents mechanical loads that would reintroduce leaks.

10) Additional practical tips (brief)
- Always replace gaskets and consider new bolts/studs if original ones show wear.
- If manifold is cracked, welding cast iron/steel manifolds is sometimes possible but often not reliable; replacement is usually best.
- Use the factory service manual for exact torque values and bolt sequence for the Aveo T200.
- After repair, clear codes and verify no new codes return.

End.
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