Best way to find exhaust leaks?

[Rengar18]

So i've read/heard things such as running seaform through the engine and using a flame along the exhaust to find leaks but i'm concerned about accuracy, especially in finding exhaust manifold leaks and 02 housing leaks.

Not to mention i can't pass smog because of the leaks i also have some turbo spooling issues (full boost around 4500 on a 14b) and i'd like to eliminate exhaust leaks off the list in diagnosing that.

What are your guys methods and what is a 100% way to find the various leaks in my exhaust? From Exhaust Mani to the tailpipe what are my options for going about this?

Thanks

 

[LarryJoe]

If its slowing spool I'd guess either exhaust manifold gasket, or turbo to manifold gasket. Those are the two that would slow spool down like that.

 

[CountryDSM]

In general for finding an exhaust leak under the car I have heard and personally just taken a microfiber cloth laying around and hold it over the exit on the muffler. If you have an exhaust leak it should push it out through that leak. Have some buddies near the engine bay and under the car to listen. If this is a bad method someone let me know.

 

[blackrosenova40]

How I do it on diesel engines is with the engine completely cold, run the engine and immediatly spray suspected area with soapy water and check for bubbles, but also keep an eye out that it isnt just the water boiling from heat.

 

[Kod]

Cold start and spraying with soapy water usually best method, probably gasket leaks if it's not very loud and too noticeable.

 

[007jimmy]

I used seafoam. Smoke will come out of any leak and its easy to see.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

Use the method in post three.

 

[92nolatist]

I used seafoam. Smoke will come out of any leak and its easy to see.

+111111111111111111111 beat me too it.
I second that, seafoam is an AMAZING exhaust leak finder. I found out that both of the flanges on my o2 housing are leaking......

 

[Rengar18]

Did method in post 3 and seaform through my TB (Sucked it through the BOV line) afterwards. Pinpointed a few of my leaks, worked great.