Exhaust leak?

rdsx18 · 10-03-2009, 01:39 PM

So I just installed headers and a catted x-pipe and it sounds like I have an exhaust leak. I don't know how to describe it, but it is coming from up front and it only happens at ~1/2-full throttle. Is it normal to sound like this or do I indeed have a leak? What is the best way to check for a leak? I had my father hold some rags in the exhaust pipes while my brother gave it some gas and I couldn't hear any leaks. What else should I try?

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rdsx18 · 10-04-2009, 10:45 AM

Nobody? I guess I could describe the sound as more of a wooshing sound, not like the ticking or popping noises I hear from other cars with an exhaust leak. Is that normal with an x-pipe?

rdavin622 · 10-05-2009, 12:34 PM

I installed headers and a BBK catted H-pipe and my car makes a similar noise. Kind of like a car with no mufflers, or a huge exhaust leak sound from inside the car. I dont have any exhaust leaks at all

rdsx18 · 10-05-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdavin622

I installed headers and a BBK catted H-pipe and my car makes a similar noise. Kind of like a car with no mufflers, or a huge exhaust leak sound from inside the car. I dont have any exhaust leaks at all

Ok I can hear this when I drive by walls too or under bridges though. I got under the car and tightened up where I though it came from, had my dad cover the tips while my brother gave it some gas and it sounded gone. Drove to class and it was fine, drove home and it came back. Idk what it is now.

rdavin622 · 10-05-2009, 05:43 PM

I know what you mean my car does the same thing. I thought I had an exhaust leak but it was just the unique sound that the BBK headers and H-pipe make. The factory exhaust is designed to be quiet and not to disturb the peace. I think its just more exhaust flow and its noisy thats all. I could be wrong but thats what happened to me.

rdsx18 · 10-05-2009, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdavin622

I know what you mean my car does the same thing. I thought I had an exhaust leak but it was just the unique sound that the BBK headers and H-pipe make. The factory exhaust is designed to be quiet and not to disturb the peace. I think its just more exhaust flow and its noisy thats all. I could be wrong but thats what happened to me.

I know what you mean and you are definitely right. I just got done tightening everything up again and had my dad hold rags in the tailpipes while I listened and felt under the car. It was dead silent under there and I couldn't feel any leaks at all. I don't mind the noise I just wanted it fixed if it was a leak. Thanks for the help!

zanypunk · 10-05-2009, 06:46 PM

Does it sound like a ticking noise? It you can hear it better if you're in a garage. It's exhaust leak and you test with a smoke machine. You put smoke from the tailpipe and see if it has leaks. I have one at my workplace and makes life so easier. Small leaks are okay but if it gets loud... Well you will lose performance and your gas milage will suffer. I can go on and explain the causes it will bring but you get the idea.

rdsx18 · 10-05-2009, 07:17 PM

No ticking noise, and I was in my garage, couldn't hear or feel a thing when I was under the car while it was running.

zanypunk · 10-08-2009, 05:50 PM

Good! Most noise leaks are noticeable when the engine is accelerated just to let you know though and sounds like a whistling. If it's rattling, then you would have to check the muffler or cats. Oh if it's a wheezing noise at idle or with engine running at higher RPM, check for restricted exhaust. (Don't assume the cats though, this is just reference info) How's your gas mileage though?

zanypunk · 10-08-2009, 05:51 PM

Good! Most noise leaks are noticeable when the engine is accelerated just to let you know though and sounds like a whistling. If it's rattling, then you would have to check the muffler or cats. Oh if it's a wheezing noise at idle or with engine running at higher RPM, check for restricted exhaust. (Don't assume the cats though, this is just reference info) How's your gas mileage though?