Cracked exhaust manifold

[itb76]

Now here's an unpleasant development! '98 ML320 developed an exhaust leak. Got new gaskets, got to work, and here's what I found.

I welded it up as best I could with my cheapo stick welder and stainless rod, and all is quiet again. However, I'd be surprised if this fix lasts a month. Is this a common problem? How much is it going to cost me to fix it right? Only 120,000 miles on the truck. This is why I quit running headers on street cars years ago; they just don't hold up. Granted this one's stainless, and has two walls, but I can't imagine these holding up as long as cast SiMo manifolds.