possible header/exhaust leak

9165pt0 · 10-29-2009, 10:19 PM

i have been hearing an annoying ticking sound while driving an idling. it gets louder as i accelerate and if im next to a wall or barrier. sounds like its coming from near the headers. i have bbk shorty headers. one of the bolts did come loose a while ack but i tightened them all down. where the h pipe and header meets is also very tight. but it still has the same ticking sound. the gaskter looks to be sealed fine. if it was blown or leaking would it be obvious by looking at it with the header still on? are they known to leak at certain spots?

ne help would be appreciated, cuz i cant track it down.

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88GTBLACK · 10-30-2009, 04:50 PM

Even if its a slight leak, your still going to hear it Ive got it too I didnt use a gasket on my header on the pass side bcuz i only paid 30 bucks for shorties.

If all bolts are tight and your gasket is good make sure the heads arent gunked up and dirty. I got away with not using a gasket on the passenger side I just cleaned up the gasket surfaces and got lucky. A lot of older cars with pressed exhaust manifolds DONT use gaskets and dont leak So why cant I give it a try. Seefoam your car and youll see all your exhaust leaks when you do it.

9165pt0 · 10-30-2009, 06:00 PM

umm what do u mean by ill see the leaks? will the seamfoam smoke from the leak?

88GTBLACK · 10-30-2009, 07:21 PM

yeah...you will see literally every little leak. You really shouldnt need to though if the exhaust leak is bad enought that its audible just take a listen to where its leaking and take your hand and carefully feel for where the air leaking out of the headers.