ohnoesaz

So I installed headers and can swear I have an exhaust leak. Not sure though... I hear ticking, but I'm positive I've always heard that ticking since I bought the car. It sounds more like its something rattling. But hey, why not just check?

So I look online how to check for exhaust leaks..... I read to get a 3/8" hose and use it like a stethescope, one end to your ear and one to your exhaust.

I know I have some leftover hose in the garage. Can't find it.So I get some tubing from a fish tank filter build I did recently.

Pop the hood, start the engine... Put the tubing down into the header area... Listen for leaks, ticking, hissing etc.

While listening I'm stunned to see exhaust fumes/smoke rising from near the headers! I must have a huge leak! There is a lot of it. Forget listening for a leak, I can SEE the smoke/condensation coming up from near the block.

But wait... I take the tube out and look down... The headers have melted right through the thin fish tank tubing and the smoke is billowing up at this point as the melted tubing continues to disintegrate.

I know it ain't red locktite on a drain plug but clearly I haven't skipped a beat!

exx1976

Wow man.. You should just STOP WORKING ON CARS...

It's just not meant to be.

suoperdave84

hahaha

I have seen old school guys use broom handles to listen through to determine whether or not the ticking is exhaust or a vlave tappng. Probably less of a chance of catching fire too.

wthalliii

LOL. It's great when that "aw crap" moment turns out to be okay.

exx1976

Yeah, except that for the next dozen times he runs the car, that crap will still be burning off... LOL

hammeron

i would coat the fish tube with red
loktite, it will resist the heat better
and allow you to listen for the ticking

[8D] hang in there!

Dex

I have the same problem. I spilled alot of coolant on the engine so I cant tell if thats smoking off or if there is a leak. lol

06Saleen3V

LMAO...this made my day ...wait a second...that made my life sound very uneventful [&o]

Nuke

Thank you for sharing and maintaining your.... uhhhh.... status. It's very validating for the rest of us idiots. LOL!

Norm Peterson

Long screwdriver
Pry bar
Real automotive stethoscope (from Harbor Freight) . . . . . VERY sensitive, BTW


Edit: I always thought that lengths of hose were for tuning/synchronizing SU carburetors on little British roadsters


Norm