Whats the best way to find an exhast leak?

[KYJ10]

I can hear the **** thing tapping like crazy. And I know it's just a small leak. It may be where the header gasket, but could also be pipe. Is there anyway that you can spray something that will highlight or react to a leak? Or some other method. Ive felt around and looked, but it's prolly in a tough spot. Thanks Dennis redface.gif

[ December 30, 2002, 07:25 AM: Message edited by: KYJ10 ]

[chrism]

If its just a small leak spraying something in there probably won't work. It didn't for me last week.
Mine would not leak until it got under a load. I had my father sit inside and load up the engine while I searched around with a stethoscope.
Turned out to be the front bolts on the left manifold were loose.
I would just start by retorqueing all your header bolts. When I ran headers on my old 304 I had to retorque the bolts at least once a month (they were really cheap headers though.) If that doesn't work maybe you have a blown gasket.

[Jambo1]

Take your air compressor put the air nozzle in the exhaust pipe, stuff a rag around it so you get a good seal, pump a bunch of air into the system, go spray some windex or similar around the exhaust manifold where you suspect leaks and it will start bubbling, Thats where it is my friend! Dont be supprsied if you have more than one. Worked great for me. This will pick up small leaks too. Be generous with the windex.

With my compressor it took a minute or so before it built up enough pressure in the system to figure out where the leak was coming from.

Good Luck smile.gif

[porkchop]

And if you don't have a compressor then you can use a leaf blower. It works great. Just tape it onto the tail pipe turn it on and look for leaks.

[Aaron]

Wait until its cold and have a friend put a rag over the tailpipe. Start the truck and feel around the joints to find the leak.

Leaf blower idea sounds good too smile.gif

[Ralph]

'course, if the compressor or the leaf blower duct-taped to the tailpipe doesn't do it, I once knew this gal...

[THE THING]

I think ralph has the right idea and it might be cheaper. but she might get a headache

[CowKiller]

if u start it when it is cold, the condensating will come out of the holes. mine did this. had 3 leaks, well still do

[desert_freak]

great ideas guys! One place to maybe check (as I know I have leaks at this local) is the air injection rail (if you have it still)! It is very common for the tube to seperate from the round section that the banjo bolt goes through and I guess you can get replacement copper "washers" for the banjo bolts to help seal them better.

Just a place to start.

P.J.