please help..how do you diagnose/fix an exhaust leak?

[stevew1]

I have a really annoying ticking sound as my turbo spools and from reading around it seems to be an exhaust leak. I've never realyl done much with cars though and i was wondering how i could check for the leak? please help! also, the bolts on my heat shield look soooo damn rusted...any help is appreciated.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

well.. since its cold out.. start the car in the morning and pop your hood.

after about a minute the exhaust gasses will be visible... if you have any leaks you will be able to see them. also the rattling can be caused by a loose heat shield also

 

[91 white tsi]

if its ticking only when its spooling your turbo could have to much shaft play......... jsut a suggestion.....if you wanna check that remove the rubber tube thats inbetween the airfilter and turbo and feel the shaft for any kind of in and out or up and down play. Hope thats not it but just tryign to help

 

[stevew1]

if its ticking only when its spooling your turbo could have to much shaft play......... jsut a suggestion.....if you wanna check that remove the rubber tube thats inbetween the airfilter and turbo and feel the shaft for any kind of in and out or up and down play. Hope thats not it but just tryign to help

thanks for the replies..yeah it starts ticking immediately when i go reach anywhere above 0 psi...is the shaft supposed to be perfectly stiff? what does it mean when its moving? is my turbo going?

 

[oldman]

Does the ticking persists after car warms up? If so, you probably have a boost leak instead.
miner exhust leak should go away after the car reaches operating temperature. If it's a big leak, you should be able to find it easily. I would do a boost leak test if you donn't find an exhust leak. Good luck.

 

[stevew1]

it still clicks after it warms up. it seems to come from the passenger side of the hood. i don't know if it's a boost leak though..its still constant at 13 psi. however, when i turn on the heater, the clicking is less intense., i dont know if that's a coincidence or not though.

 

[oldman]

Well, get to it. Boost leak test.

 

[oldman]

Check for exhust leak as well.