manifold/turbo exhaust leak???

[jonnygsx]

I have what maybe good news or bad news depending on how you look at it. Today I had my fuel pump installed (didn't feel like doing it myself) and when it was in the shop I had them check for any exhaust leaks because the car has been sounding funny lately. Well I just got it back and they said that they think there is a leak in-between the exhaust manifold and the turbo. This is good because it would explain the slow spool times and high et's. But its bad cause I have no idea how there could be a leak there. Everything was torqued down to specs and I checked them again the other day. Plus I used a brand new 7cm gasket from RRE that should have been fine. I don't know how it can be leaking and I am not looking forward to removing the manifold in order to check it out. What are your guys thoughts? One other thought though, the manifold was ported but was still using the 6cm gasket on the t-25, the new 16g wasn't ported but I used a 7cm gasket, think this could have anything to do with it???

 

[jonnygsx]

anyone???

 

[peregrine]

you would be able to hear it if it was leaking. if you cant hear it its not leaking. have fun.

 

[jonnygsx]

i can hear it. I guess nothing to do but take off the manifold....

 

[jdmawd]

the only leaks that will effect spool up is before the turbo, pull the manifold flip it over and look for cracks. pull the turbo replace both gaskets. check the wastegate flapper hole for cracks. bolt it all back and see what happens

 

[jonnygsx]

Yeah it may come to that, but damn dude, i'm lazy and don't wanna have to pull it apart a week after I got it.

I just had this thought over dinner. You know how you can build a pressure tester and test the intake on our cars by using a compressor. Could you do that with the exhaust? If I put a cap on my tip and used my compressor I might be able to locate the leak. Would this idea work?

Jon

 

[GSX]

jonnygsx,

Some things I would consider before pulling the manifold:

... think there is a leak in-between the exhaust manifold and the turbo

(1) Talk to the shop, if they diagnosed and exhaust leak then they should likely be able to tell you where it is at.

(2) If they can't/won't then you can buy some auto stethoscopes ** used often at exhaust shops ** especially for use for such issues and they'll come in handy later when you have this problem again. Just place the probe along the manifold and listen for a distinct gurgle sound - Tada!

(3) Lastly, and the one I'm most unsure of, you can run small amount of fluid (ask others what kind, although I think power steering) through the intake manifold and it will pour smoke out the exhaust ports on the head - thus, visibly seeing where the leak are occuring. Just don't do this very much.

Point is, if they tell you they THINK you have an exhaust leak on the car don't go through all that labor not knowing what you are looking for. Do the simpler things to try and verify that what they are saying is the truth.

As for step number three [3], please someone speak up if I am wrong .. although I know I'm close.

Thanks,

 

[jonnygsx]

Thanks for the help, if anyone knows of what to run through to make smoke please post it. The shop told me that they THOUGHT it was between the turbo and manifold, but that they wouldn't know till they had it apart. He quoted me at $195 to check it..... i laughed.