exhaust leak

[TraceZ]

I have an exhaust leak. It sounds like it is coming from the drivers side front of the car. The car is a rust free Texas car, so I know it is not corrosion. After the car warms up it goes completely away.

Were there any places that were common for a leak like this? I'm hoping it's not the exhaust manuifold gasket.

[NorthernSS]

When I put the SLP headers on I was getting a small leak at the collector flange. Where the manifold meats the y pipe seems to be some noise from there. Double check there.

[Mr Nice Guy]

When I had my 95 Formula I had that exact problem. It turned out to be the manifold. I let it go for a while and then it got bad enough I couldn't stand it. I decided to do it myself. It was a pain to do but at least it didn't cost me much.

[TraceZ]

Originally posted by Mr Nice Guy
When I had my 95 Formula I had that exact problem. It turned out to be the manifold. I let it go for a while and then it got bad enough I couldn't stand it. I decided to do it myself. It was a pain to do but at least it didn't cost me much.

It looks like I need to order a gasket. What is the best one?

[Mr Nice Guy]

I used a felpro. No problems with it. Good luck.....Later

[Joe 1320]

Be glad it's the driver's side.

Sounds to me like the manifold to block gasket. As stuff heats up they expand, the leak diminishes. Seen it many times. Since you'll have to remove it, is it time to do plugs and wires too? It much easier at that time........

[TraceZ]

Originally posted by Joe 1320
Be glad it's the driver's side.

Sounds to me like the manifold to block gasket. As stuff heats up they expand, the leak diminishes. Seen it many times. Since you'll have to remove it, is it time to do plugs and wires too? It much easier at that time........

Good point, Joe. What are the best plugs and wires for a stock motor?

[Joe 1320]

Originally posted by TraceZ
Good point, Joe. What are the best plugs and wires for a stock motor?

I still say stock. My original plugs and wires lasted 105K miles before the ignition started to break up. They outlasted the opti, so it sure seems like they are the perfect choice for a stocker. Granted, I run an MSD unit, but that wasn't added until right before the plug and wire swap.

[TraceZ]

Status report

Well..... The car is sitting in the garage now, minus one exhaust manifold, an alternator and 8 spark plugs. The exhaust manifold bolts were all loose, and came out too easily. I know why it was leaking now.

The gaps on the plugs were all over the place, totally inconsistant. Plug #4 was completely loose, out about a full turn. I removed it without using a wrench.

Plug #2 required removal of the alternator, and plug # 8 required me to be a contortionist. It wasnt all that bad, though.

I pulled a "dammit" and broke the plug off the temperature sender in the head. I'll have to order a new one of those. The harness was undamaged.

I'm thinking the wires are good, so I'm just going to replace the plugs with properly gapped new ones and make sure they are all tight. (along with the exhaust manifold.)

I'm curious as to how much horsepower the loose plug, and all the improperly gapped ones were costing me. Any ideas??
The car seemed to run OK. I was not expecting to find these problems. I should use anti-seize on the new plugs, right?

[Joe 1320]

I'm telling ya.... replace the wires or you'll be pissed when you have to do it all over again in 20K miles.

yes, use inti seize on the plug threads.

[TraceZ]

Originally posted by Joe 1320
I'm telling ya.... replace the wires or you'll be pissed when you have to do it all over again in 20K miles.

yes, use inti seize on the plug threads.

Man. I'm torn. I'd like to do it, but they look like a bigger PITA than the plugs, and I only put on 5K a year.... 20K is 4 years down the road. I'm sure they'll last another couple seasons, no?

Is there an easy way to change them from below maybe, I didnt look too closely at them when I was under there disconnecting the Y pipe.

[Joe 1320]

The driver's side is easy. The passenger side can test your faith in the man upstairs.

[aschroeger]

Re: Status report

Originally posted by TraceZ
Plug #2 required removal of the alternator, and plug # 8 required me to be a contortionist. It wasnt all that bad, though.

Come on Trace.. Couldn't be as bad as removing the oil filter on Brian's 1980 Turbo T/A .... You needed three elbows on your left arm for that job.

[TraceZ]

Re: Re: Status report

Originally posted by aschroeger
Come on Trace.. Couldn't be as bad as removing the oil filter on Brian's 1980 Turbo T/A .... You needed three elbows on your left arm for that job.

Ha, yeah no kidding.

Well, I have the plugs, they are Delco 41-906 platinums. The parts girl told me they are pre-gapped. I dont believe that, because the gaps look terrible. I'm going to gap them to .050 myself.

I noticed some slag on 3 of them where the electrode welds to the body of the plug and removed it with my fingernail. It would had sucked for those little chunks to have gotten into my motor.

I still need to pick up some anti-seize on my way home from work this afternoon. I should have it running again tonite if all goes as planned.

[Gary94Formula]

I agree replace the wires. You'll be happy that you did (After your finished....).

Did you really have an exahust leak or were you hearing the noise from the loose plug?

Gary94Formula