exhaust leak!? how do i tell?

[Damn 2nd Gear]

ok i know that there are no leaks from the cat back, i fiexed that one. well when i let off the gas there is a pop-pop sputtering noise in my exhaust. it occures when i let off the gas. well im thinking that i may have a cracked header/exhaust mani or downpipe. or maybe a gasket needs replaced, thats waht happend to my cat. my thing is i have dont know how to check for it. i was thinking of removing my heat sheild to look for cracks on the manifold but its a bit too hot fer the touch.

also do i need the heat sheild there? i know that alot of cars dont have them from the factory, but will it have any ill effects on my engine?

 

[Lordpaxin]

With the top heat shield off, the hood paint sometimes bubble and crack.

Im not running the bottom shield, but the top is on. if your leak was near the engine, you should be able to smell it.

but a visible inspection would suffice.

a lot of times the Flex shaft on the downpipe gets frayed, id bet thats ur problem

 

[tsi_turboawd]

raise the car and inspect

 

[Defiant]

Build a leak tester to put in the tailpipe.

 

[Damn 2nd Gear]

how do i make a leak tester?

 

[DSMeclipse4G63]

A easy way we do it at my work is cover the tailpipe with a bunch of rags and listen all around the exhaust system with alot of backpressure you should be able to hear exactly where the leak is. Goodluck
Andrew