Just a quick question...
Can an exhaust leak affect performance on a naturally aspirated engine? I think I have a leak (which I do plan on getting fixed) and I was wondering if it could be hurting performance. I think the leak might be before the cat converter.
I know this sounds like a newbie question and all, but I know exhaust leaks can affect turbo/supercharged cars, but I did not know if it held true for N/A.
Thanks
yes it hurts performance, you lose back preasure and power as well, your gas mileage will suck too, check all the welds (around cat, around downpipe, around each welded pipe piece, muffler)
I'm pretty sure the leak is right where the cat and header downpipe connect. I didn't get that welded when everything was installed, it is just clamped on. I installed the header and cat myself and had an exhaust shop put everything else on. I plan on, when I get the money, having everything adjusted anyhow, so I think i'll just have my exhaust guy weld it all up.
What is a good way to check and see if it is leaking other than just trying to feel around it? Is there anything I can spray around the welds to see if it shows a leak? I know soapy water works for gas and propane lines and such, but i think with exhaust, it would just evaporate off.
I know this sounds retarded but if you have one of those millitary style smoke bombs if you spray smoke around the exhaust you will see the smoke move from any exhaust leaks, just make sure you light it away from the car until the flame dies down and dont set your car on fire.
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adding to blackeco's asnwers its right after the 4th of july so you can probably pick up some cheap smoke bombs from a firework stand before they close down.
I never even thought of doing something like that at all. That is a good idea.
Thanks guys.
All you have to do is start the car and have someone briefly cover the end of the exhaust pipe, just for a couple of seconds at a time, and listen for where the hissing comes from.
