Exhaust/intake Leak???

[Tom Bahner]

Hey guys, I've got an exhaust or intake leak that is progressively getting worse. The noise is  getting a little embarrassing when accelerating from a stop. I've read all the stuff on the cracked intake manifold/choke tube problems that seem to be common to our cars. Only thing is, I can't tell if its a true exhaust leak or a problem with the intake. 

Is there a way for a half deaf old man to tell which it is? I'm getting ready to take it in next week to have one the the local mechanics look at it.

I know my limitations and will defer fixing it to a mechanic, but just want to get prepared for the expenditure. Thanks for any tips.

Tom B

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

Ohh, you had me there for a second. I read dead instead of deaf. Really need to get stronger glassen.
Unfortunately I can't help you with your issue, but looking forward to an explanation from our experts.

[29crik3qhrn62]

Hi Tom. Generally a cracked intake would also result in very poor running, high idling car that may or may not be hard to stop due to a decrease in engine vacuum. If your car is "progressively getting louder " it sounds like you have an exhaust leak somewhere.  You (or a helper) can look at the exhaust manifolds and y pipe for black carbon trails, the telltale sign of an exhaust leak. It may be something as simple as a loose connection or rusted out area or something more severe like a broken exhaust manifold.  Either way, if it is an exhaust leak, it should be addressed as soon as possible so poisonous gas does not enter the passenger area while the car is running. Good luck!

[2o93f8rdftyzj]

With the engine running, trickle a little bit of fine oil down the carb and look for where the smoke comes out.

Where there's smoke, there's a leak...... Oh, no need to thank me, I know i'm a genius. LOL PMSL

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

Smart, really smart.

Come to think about my father. He was a chimney sweeper. He said to fill the chimney with smoke. Shut off the light and make the room go dark. Then use a flashlight and search for leaks. Not sure if that could help with this problem though.

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

Feel the bolts to the exh manifolds. There is usually one loose.  Use a flashlight to look for the soot markings along the top and bottom of the exh manifold.

[Tom Bahner]

Thanks for all the responses. I have noticed it idling faster than it used to. Can't say it was running poorly though.  Was hoping for an exhaust gasket leak but my luck rarely runs that way.  Signs are pointing to an intake problem. Thanks for the oil down the carb suggestion, never heard of that one.

Will post what we find out. Guess I should have bought an intake when I had a chance. 

Tom B