How do you check for exhaust leaks?

If you heard an exhaust leak, you'd know it.

And inspect the header gaskets and flanges closely if that's where you think the problem is. When my header was leaking, i got a BAD loud vibrating rattle under acceleration above 3k rpm. Talk about annoying.

I've yet to hear a catback that has zero drone.. and I've also yet to hear of a catbacks drone being caused by a leak.

The method I use and have been recommended to try several times, is to light up a cigar or a cigarette, and move a cloud of smoke toward the area in question while the engine is running.. if the smoke moves, you've got an obvious leak.. however this method is difficult to use on headers and in that general area. Exhaust shops have ways of checking, may be worth bringing in if you're really that worried.

Not something I recommend, but if enjoying a nice stogie, one can blow the smoke around the header flange and note if the smoke is pushed away - that suggests a leak.

Be real careful if doing this (a smoke machine would be much safer). And remember that wash from a fan or accessories can swirl the smoke.

I am sure some people have some real solutions for you. Good luck.

Take some rags and cover the t-pipes. You will need an extra hand to do this. Then listen for any leaks.

PRO50SC said:

Take some rags and cover the t-pipes. You will need an extra hand to do this. Then listen for any leaks.

Click to expand...

That works like a charm everytime. Just dont cover them really tight cause your car will stop running from not being able to get the exhaust out. Just like the potato on the tailpipe trick.

I would think that any time you had an exaust leak you would most definitely know it. Although the covering the tail pipe isn't a bad idea

I assume that an engine stethoscope could help locate a leak on the header flange.

I like the idea of using smoke, but I think it would be best to put the car on a lift and push smoke in from the tailpipes (of course the car would not be running). I am not sure if any shops are doing this, but any shop with a smoke machine should be able to do this.
(if this has never been done before, then I want the invention rights. A nickel for each use of the idea would be enough)

jason

Everytime I've had an exhaust leak ..... I heard a "metallic" sound ..... kind of a pinging sound ..... but not "pinging", if you know what I mean.

Jason's idea is a good one.

I like Bernie's too. I will have to try that.

if you can get a hold of a 5 gas analyser, stick the probe around place in question and see if it picks up any escaping gasses....