exhaust leak problem

[Chatmanboy]

Today i had my gbody downpipe and hooker 2 1/2 system put on the car and you guys are right the car and i love it... but i still have a exhaust leak! I thought it was my downpipe or elbow causing the leak but wasnt... where could the problem be at? its ticking on the passenger side (i just put atr headers, crossover, and up pipe on)...

 

[Jerryl]

Today i had my gbody downpipe and hooker 2 1/2 system put on the car and you guys are right the car and i love it... but i still have a exhaust leak! I thought it was my downpipe or elbow causing the leak but wasnt... where could the problem be at? its ticking on the passenger side (i just put atr headers, crossover, and up pipe on)...

Are the headers cracked?
You shoud be able to see the carbon/exhaust at the leak if you look carefully.
You can also use a piece of garden hose around the exhaust to get you close to the area where it leaks.
An IR heat gun may work as well, or . . . .
Pour a little GM Top engine cleaner it in, and watch for smoke.

 

[Chatmanboy]

NO headers were good, didnt see any cracks when i put them on. but the leaks sounds like it coming from where the up pipe and header meet!

 

[racemybuick]

the up pipe was never a perfect fit to the turbo as many can attest... check at the turbo flange, and the header flange as well...

Usually when you can hear the ticking, it is the header that is leaking... Check your gaskets and make sure they are sealed on the heads...


Good luck!


John

 

[Chatmanboy]

the up pipe was never a perfect fit to the turbo as many can attest... check at the turbo flange, and the header flange as well...

Usually when you can hear the ticking, it is the header that is leaking... Check your gaskets and make sure they are sealed on the heads...


Good luck!


John

I had a chance to look at it again today and the flange from the header to up pipe is exactly where the ticking is coming from... and your right its not on there perfect, its more on one side then the other to where it could leak... Any suggestions on how to fix?

 

[Jerryl]

I had a chance to look at it again today and the flange from the header to up pipe is exactly where the ticking is coming from... and your right its not on there perfect, its more on one side then the other to where it could leak... Any suggestions on how to fix?

Dpends on how bad the leak is.
If is not too bad, high temp silicone works pretty well.

If it is waaaay off, silicone will not work.
Look for turbo alignment to correct it the best you can.
Good luck.

 

[Chatmanboy]

I sealed it with the copper RTV and letting it sit over night to see what happens.

I also seen alot of theads about the trouble with ATR uppipe and header connection, which i have. But i had this same problem b4 the swap to ATR exhaust system... Could there be a leak coming from some where else? i also seen threads about not using gasket on the header? I have gaskets on!

 

[Jerryl]

I sealed it with the copper RTV and letting it sit over night to see what happens.

I also seen alot of theads about the trouble with ATR uppipe and header connection, which i have. But i had this same problem b4 the swap to ATR exhaust system... Could there be a leak coming from some where else? i also seen threads about not using gasket on the header? I have gaskets on!

I belief the copper coat is only rated to 500F.
The high temp silicone is rated for 600F, but has proven to hold up well in our applications. :wink:

The way I do it is:
Add the sealant to the joint, install the pipe, and torque to 50-75% of final value. Let is cure, and then finish the torque.

In my opinion;
-Factory did not put in a header gasket. IMO, “if” you decide to use a gasket, run the copper to transfer some of the heat. I have no data to back up this statement.
-I have installed header gaskets and by doing so moved the headers out enough to create fitment issues.
-My “ATR” up pipe was seriously off to the point it was unusable! The overal workmanship was good but the fit was horrible . This was resolved through customization.

Get the up-pipe from Jay, and sell the ATR.
Unless you have a TIG welder, this option will be cheaper in the long run.

 

[Chatmanboy]

ok that may be the problem the gaskets thats on there are aluminum gaskets... One other question off topic but the turbo bracket on top on the intake if i have that off can the heat affect the fuel injectors to where they dont work properly?