• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

Need help finding an exhaust leak!

  • Thread starter Thread starter mo_dingo
  • Start date Start date Feb 20, 2004

mo_dingo

20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 26, 2003
3,031
2
58
Tucson, AZ
Feb 20, 2004
#1
  • Feb 20, 2004
  • #1
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

20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 26, 2003
3,031
2
58
Tucson, AZ
Feb 21, 2004
#2
  • Feb 21, 2004
  • #2
ttt
 

Slow5.0

Active Member
Feb 13, 2003
2,554
0
46
Portland, OR
Feb 21, 2004
#3
  • Feb 21, 2004
  • #3
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

20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 26, 2003
3,031
2
58
Tucson, AZ
Feb 21, 2004
#4
  • Feb 21, 2004
  • #4
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

New Member
Sep 12, 2003
427
0
0
Oklahoma
Feb 21, 2004
#5
  • Feb 21, 2004
  • #5
I have a feeling that its from the connection of the headers to the x-pipe. Tighten up everything around that area.
 

mo_dingo

20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 26, 2003
3,031
2
58
Tucson, AZ
Feb 24, 2004
#6
  • Feb 24, 2004
  • #6
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

Founding Member
Oct 28, 2002
3,049
0
56
Ann Arbor, MI
Feb 25, 2004
#7
  • Feb 25, 2004
  • #7
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
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Emission problems
  • jls.zmmr
  • Feb 5, 2026
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
228
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Feb 7, 2026
AeroCoupe
R
bbk shorty header to mid pipe gasket
  • randyyy
  • Sep 29, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
339
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Sep 29, 2025
randyyy
R
N
Edelbrock 1405 Setup
  • nathantaylor200
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Replies
3
Views
217
Classic Mustang Specific Tech Nov 5, 2025
nathantaylor200
N
M
Engine Unexplainable Exhaust Pop and Gurgle
  • Mrnissen122
  • Feb 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
526
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 18, 2026
Noobz347
M
2001 v6 heater return pipe leak question
  • mnky99
  • Nov 11, 2025
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
1
Views
238
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Nov 11, 2025
mnky99
M
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?