TROLL
12-16-2005, 11:43 PM
No one likes to admit it, but we've all had them at one point or another. Sometimes they go away on their own, sometimes not. Its embarassing, yes, but its something we should all learn about so we can do what we can to prevent this whenever possible...
EXHAUST LEAKS...
An exhaust leak is caused when the flanges of two exhaust pipes dont mate up properly to create an airtight seal when they are bolted together. A gasket is used in between these flanges to help them seal, but things dont always go as planned. Either from the start or over time, you might get an leak.
Exhaust leaks not only rob your engine of power, but can cause premature wear on components near the leak, and even leak dangerous carbon monoxide inside the cabin.
If you listen carefully, you can normally hear an exhaust leak. It will sound like a muffled exhaust note but the source of the sound will be the area that the leak is coming from. If you hear something like this you can put your hand near the questionable area while the car is running (without touching the hot exhaust) and you will be able to feel air if there is any escaping.
You can also know for sure that you are getting a leak if you take a look at your gasket when its off the car and it has carbon buildup in one section. This is the exact spot where the exhaust is not sealed properly.
In order to avoid exhaust leaks it is important to use high quality gaskets which will not only seal properly the first time, but they will not disintigrate too much over time and will continue to do their job for years to come.
It is also important to use a proper torquing sequence on exhaust bolts and also to torque them to spec. Not tightening the bolts enough can lead to a leak, but what a lot of people dont realize is that tightening them too much can also cause a leak. With this in mind, make sure to check the factory torque specs and follow them.
example of a gasket indicating an exhaust leak
http://www.bryantroll.com/other/gasket1.jpg
old and new gasket
http://www.bryantroll.com/other/gasket2.jpg
I just wrote this up quickly and of course it only has general information but if anyone else has any quality content to add to this please do... eventually posts like this will be reviewed and organized into a general technical reference with both basic and more advanced general car info.
Bryan
EXHAUST LEAKS...
An exhaust leak is caused when the flanges of two exhaust pipes dont mate up properly to create an airtight seal when they are bolted together. A gasket is used in between these flanges to help them seal, but things dont always go as planned. Either from the start or over time, you might get an leak.
Exhaust leaks not only rob your engine of power, but can cause premature wear on components near the leak, and even leak dangerous carbon monoxide inside the cabin.
If you listen carefully, you can normally hear an exhaust leak. It will sound like a muffled exhaust note but the source of the sound will be the area that the leak is coming from. If you hear something like this you can put your hand near the questionable area while the car is running (without touching the hot exhaust) and you will be able to feel air if there is any escaping.
You can also know for sure that you are getting a leak if you take a look at your gasket when its off the car and it has carbon buildup in one section. This is the exact spot where the exhaust is not sealed properly.
In order to avoid exhaust leaks it is important to use high quality gaskets which will not only seal properly the first time, but they will not disintigrate too much over time and will continue to do their job for years to come.
It is also important to use a proper torquing sequence on exhaust bolts and also to torque them to spec. Not tightening the bolts enough can lead to a leak, but what a lot of people dont realize is that tightening them too much can also cause a leak. With this in mind, make sure to check the factory torque specs and follow them.
example of a gasket indicating an exhaust leak
http://www.bryantroll.com/other/gasket1.jpg
old and new gasket
http://www.bryantroll.com/other/gasket2.jpg
I just wrote this up quickly and of course it only has general information but if anyone else has any quality content to add to this please do... eventually posts like this will be reviewed and organized into a general technical reference with both basic and more advanced general car info.
Bryan