Exhaust leak

[xman]

Lately I think I hear a bit of exhaust leak. So this weekend I'm going to get under there and take a look at the header pipe to head conection. As i recall reading the bolts or nuts can't take much torque.

What has been your experence with this?  Is there a gasket that may need to be replaced, or will tightening it correct this?

Tom

[MarkT]

An exhaust leak typically sounds like a tappet ticking.  If there is a leak, with the engine cold, start it up then put your head close to the heads and your bare fingers around the exhaust headers at the head.  It's easier if you have it up on a lift - it always is, when I finish a pipe install, and check for leaks this way. You should be able to hear and feel puffs if it's leaking.  If you locate a leak, tighten the header nuts, use a torque wrench and don't exceed 10ft/lbs.  The spec is 7.  It's likely you've had a nut or two back out.  I use loctite 242 - that's the blue, removable stuff.  It creates enough friction to stop the nuts walking off, but doesn't impede intentional removal.  If that doesn't do it and you still have a leak, then new gaskets should fix it.

[xman]

Thanks, Mark,  It does sound like a tick. I will give it a try on the lift, cold. I don't have a low torque gague, but i think I should be able to feal it. Hope Monday I'm not asking how to extract these bolts. 

[b1rks]

Had a similar issue with mine . When exhaust was removed for a new rear tire. That tapping ticking noice was driving me nuts. Directly under my foot . Center of your Exhaust, theres that small Chrome piece . Under it your 3 Pipes connect into a round piece. Thats where mine was leaking. The opposite pipe had been welded to stop leakage. I tryed an exhaust silicant. That worked for about 3 weeks. Leaks back. Looks like I'm going to pay a visit to a welding friend of mine.

[Disco]

Sorry to bring this up after the fact, but maybe it will help in the future...

When exhaust was removed for a new rear tire.

This is not necessary.