Need help finding an exhaust leak!

[mo_dingo]

I just installed a magnaflow c/b, and a bassani o/r x-pipe. Both had no apparent damage to the exterior, so I assume the exhaust leak is coming from one of the ball/socket connections.

So, I felt around each junction, when the car was running, and the only leaks I felt went away with some tightening.

So, now I don't feel any exhaust leaks, but I can smell the leak when I am driving. How do I go about tracking the leak? Would putting ATF in a vacuum line expose the leak? Any tips? Thanks!!

Scott

 

[mo_dingo]

ttt

 

[Slow5.0]

You can find if you leave car in one place rining , if leak is on botton , water gonna come out like mine between flowmasters and H-pipe , but I can't smell anything, biggest mine problem is leak in driver side header collector, I have leak there and that drive me crazy when I cruising but when I git gas pedal noise is gone
Anyway you can start car ,go under car and lighter up lighter , and put that lighter to pipe connections, if you have any leak air gonna move flame on lighter , good luck

 

[mo_dingo]

Well, when the car is running, the pipes are going to get really. So I would rather be able to "see" the leak, instead of trying not to burn myself on the pipes. So, anyone have any other ideas?

But that's a good idea Ernie. Worst case scenario, I will try it. Thanks!
Scott

 

[randomjoker]

I have a feeling that its from the connection of the headers to the x-pipe. Tighten up everything around that area.

 

[mo_dingo]

LOL. Well yesterday, as I was leaving from work, I backed out of my parking spot, and I hear, (ting.....ting.....ting). I thought I ran over something metal. Guess what?

One of the U-Clamps fell off of the c/b!!!

All I needed to do was get new nuts. So, I got lock washers w/ fender washers for that connection. Every nut on the cat-back was tight as Hell!!!

So, hopefully, that is my leaking problem. It's been really windy lately, so I can't tell if the leak is still there. I will know in a few days.

Anyone else know another way to check for leaks? I can't use the lighter idea at the collector, so I need something else. The connection at the x-pipe is very tight, and I don't feel any exhaust pulses from there. But the collector

Thanks!
Scott

 

[GTJake]

If you can't feel any leaks at any of the ball joint connections than that smell that you think is an exhaust leak is just the smell you get when you remove the cats.

Jake