How do I tell if I have an exhaust leak?

[evil-G-nius]

The biggest thing so far that makes me think I have one is, under hard acceleration (like getting on the freeway) inside the car smells like fumes. Windows down or not. Ideas? how do I check for this

[fatal1]

well generally you will hear it...usually like a whistle....also have a freind come over while you get under the car...with the car running have him hit the accelerator and see if you hear anything have a water spray bottle ready and spreay around teh welds etc look for air bubbles

[Bezzle]

^x2. Or go to a shop and let them lift ur car up and check. When I was curious about my ripped open flex pipe, I let a shop in "PATERS :D N" check it out. No charge for inspecting ya know.

[RedGalant2k1]

An exhaust leak will have a lot of noise, not always fumes. What do the fumes smell like? Sulfur? Or Fuel?

[evil-G-nius]

An exhaust leak will have a lot of noise, not always fumes. What do the fumes smell like? Sulfur? Or Fuel?

Eh...typical exhaust fumes. Just not normal....like I said never happend before. I am pretty sure its my flex pipe. That is the only part of my exhaust that has not been changed since I had the car. I dont hear a whistle per say...but I can hear...a hiss I guess would be the best way to describe it.

[xxarmandxx]

yeaa you probaly do i had one not to long ago after i put in my cat-back sounded like whistlin/hiss but like fatal said...lift the car up and have it runnin or someone hit the gas and where u hear it just put your hand there and you can feel the air comin out. i bought some gasket sealer and it worked fine...its like 2bux at any hardware store...just make sure the pipin isnt hot and let it harden if that is the case...

[DOHCstunr]

when the enginen and exhaust are cold.
set the car up on jack stands.

lay underneath your ride and with yoru hands feel for any air movements.

you will hear a pfft pfft pfft if you have a leak usually.

also, look for carbon/ soot residue. any place where there is soot there is or has been a leak.
some leaks won't show their face at low exhaust pressures(idle) or when the metals themselves are cool.

if you ever re-used a gasket. go ahead and replace it now... cause trust me its leaking.

typically there aren't leaks in plain pipe. problem area's will be at flanges and any place there is a weld.
don't forget to feel the top of the pipe(where you can't see) chances are if you can't see it.. your welder had a difficult time laying a perfect bead up there.
trace from the head to the exhaust tip.

exhaust leaks rob you of power and make yoru exhaust sound shitty.
fix every one you find.

[evil-G-nius]

^^^ I hear ya. I think it probably is at the flange....its a little rusty from when I lived back east. Thats the only part of the exhaust that is stock. I am just gonna get that shit replaced soon. Luckily my exhaust still sounds great but I bet if I get the leak fixed it will sound sooo much better.