• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Should I be able to see an exhaust leak?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ExtremeCarStere
  • Start date Start date Jul 22, 2006

ExtremeCarStere

New Member
Dec 5, 2002
32
0
0
Benicia, CA
Jul 22, 2006
#1
  • Jul 22, 2006
  • #1
So I've got what sounds like an exhaust leak coming from the rear driver's side of my engine. It's a little more "airy" sounding than just a lifter tap, so I think that the header is leaking. When I checked the bolts, the last one was loose, 1/2 to 1 full turns loose. First off, would this be the cause of a header leak? Second, can I just tighten it back up and be good? I tried tightening the bolt, but it didn't seem to fix it. I've started to notice that the header gasket around that area is changing color. Could this be a result of the leak? I've attached a pic to show what I'm talking about. Any help is appreciated as always.
 

ExtremeCarStere

New Member
Dec 5, 2002
32
0
0
Benicia, CA
Jul 22, 2006
#2
  • Jul 22, 2006
  • #2
pic
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1247.webp
    52.5 KB · Views: 178
D

D.Hearne

New Member
Sep 29, 2000
11,730
6
0
south louisiana
Jul 22, 2006
#3
  • Jul 22, 2006
  • #3
Yea, it's leaking. I'll bet that 9/16" headed bolt is too long and is bottomed out before it applies any pressure on the header flange. If you really want to see the leak, take the aircleaner off, and while running it at a fast idle, slowly pour some automatic trans fluid into the carb throat. Then look for the smoke.
 

ExtremeCarStere

New Member
Dec 5, 2002
32
0
0
Benicia, CA
Jul 22, 2006
#4
  • Jul 22, 2006
  • #4
I thought it was strange that the end bolt was different. I'll pull it out as well as the one next to it and compare sizes. Unfortunately I don't have any ATF to test it out, but at least I can tell where the leak is. Can I get a new bolt and reuse the old gasket, or do I need a new gasket once the seal has been broken?
 
D

D.Hearne

New Member
Sep 29, 2000
11,730
6
0
south louisiana
Jul 22, 2006
#5
  • Jul 22, 2006
  • #5
Try a shorter bolt then see if the leak stops. The gasket doesn't look too bad, I don't think it's bad enough to change from it's looks. If it was a jet black instead of that light brown color, then it would possibly need to be changed. Try the bolt first, and see if the leak stops. Most of the big chain parts houses sell header bolts in packs. (Advance, Auto Zone, O'Reilly's etc.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
bbk shorty header to mid pipe gasket
  • randyyy
  • Sep 29, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
357
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
246
Classic Mustang Specific Tech Nov 5, 2025
nathantaylor200
N
J
Exhaust manifold to Y-pipe nut & stud dimensions?
  • joeybuddy96
  • Jul 7, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
80
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Jul 9, 2026
joeybuddy96
J
Engine Keeping O2 sensors lit with long tube headers
  • keel
  • Thursday at 8:44 AM
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
84
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Thursday at 7:06 PM
AeroCoupe
2
Electrical mayhem
  • 2000ElectricGreen
  • Mar 13, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
283
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Mar 24, 2026
2000ElectricGreen
2
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang 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?