Exhaust Leak Q.
03-11-2005, 10:35 AM
#1
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If the exhaust manifold gasket had a leak, as in a massive-so-loud-you-can't-hear-yourself-think leak, would you get boost? I ask because I have said leak. I've noticed a loss of power in the lower RPM range, but boost and top end are still phenomenal.
Guy at shop says: "we're gonna have to tear down the right side of the engine to find this leak because it sounds like your exhaust manifold gasket."
I say:"you sure it's not behind the turbo?"
he says: "well, it's all packed in there so tight it's hard to tell."
I say: "just check behind the turbo and stop if that's not it."
What do you think?
Guy at shop says: "we're gonna have to tear down the right side of the engine to find this leak because it sounds like your exhaust manifold gasket."
I say:"you sure it's not behind the turbo?"
he says: "well, it's all packed in there so tight it's hard to tell."
I say: "just check behind the turbo and stop if that's not it."
What do you think?
03-11-2005, 10:46 AM
#2
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Originally Posted by jackboots' date='Mar 11 2005, 11:34 AM
If the exhaust manifold gasket had a leak, as in a massive-so-loud-you-can't-hear-yourself-think leak, would you get boost? I ask because I have said leak. I've noticed a loss of power in the lower RPM range, but boost and top end are still phenomenal.
Guy at shop says: "we're gonna have to tear down the right side of the engine to find this leak because it sounds like your exhaust manifold gasket."
I say:"you sure it's not behind the turbo?"
he says: "well, it's all packed in there so tight it's hard to tell."
I say: "just check behind the turbo and stop if that's not it."
What do you think?
Guy at shop says: "we're gonna have to tear down the right side of the engine to find this leak because it sounds like your exhaust manifold gasket."
I say:"you sure it's not behind the turbo?"
he says: "well, it's all packed in there so tight it's hard to tell."
I say: "just check behind the turbo and stop if that's not it."
What do you think?
a lot of times you can see the carbon from where it's leaking. If it's too dirty, then clean it up, and drive it for a day and see what's dirty again.
But yeah that's kindof the idea, if exhaust is "bypassing" the turbo it won't spool. It is possible that the leak is small enough to allow the turbo to spool at higher rpm, but if i were you i'd fix it asap and get my boost back.
they also make "mechanic's stethescopes" that is very directional and you can possibly track the leak down that way. Be carful w/ your ears tho, it might be very, very loud when magnified.
03-11-2005, 10:49 AM
#3
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that's just it...I haven't lost any boost pressure.
The only power I've lost is in a part of the powerband where there wouldn't be boost anyway. (0-2800 rpm) I've actually GAINED top end power.
The only power I've lost is in a part of the powerband where there wouldn't be boost anyway. (0-2800 rpm) I've actually GAINED top end power.
03-11-2005, 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by jackboots' date='Mar 11 2005, 11:34 AM
Originally Posted by jackboots' date='Mar 11 2005, 11:48 AM
well which is it? if you've lost boost, then it's before the turbo, if not, I'd check after the turbo.
Either way, it's just too hard to speculate to the minuteness of the leak without climing under the bitch with it running and looking/listening around. That is the only way to know for sure.
03-11-2005, 11:05 AM
#5
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Originally Posted by jackboots' date='Mar 11 2005, 10:48 AM
The only power I've lost is in a part of the powerband where there wouldn't be boost anyway. (0-2800 rpm) I've actually GAINED top end power.
they already tried the stethoscope and couldn't pinpoint it that way. have you ever heard a rotary engine with what is essentially open exhaust? f'n louder than hell. even at idle. sounds like a diesel tractor, a chainsaw, and a giant kazoo from another dimension all put together.
03-11-2005, 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by jackboots' date='Mar 11 2005, 12:05 PM
they already tried the stethoscope and couldn't pinpoint it that way. have you ever heard a rotary engine with what is essentially open exhaust? f'n louder than hell. even at idle. sounds like a diesel tractor, a chainsaw, and a giant kazoo from another dimension all put together.
Yup drove one for a couple months, chances are it's a leak where the downpipe bolts to the turbo.
03-11-2005, 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by mazdadrifter' date='Mar 11 2005, 11:37 AM
Yup drove one for a couple months, chances are it's a leak where the downpipe bolts to the turbo.
crossing fingers.....
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03-11-2005, 02:07 PM
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Guy from the shop calls, says thsat the bolts holding the doenpipe to the turbo are a little loose, but he doesn't think that could cause the noise. Says they need to keep going forward. Says it could take 6-8 hours. Says shop labor is $85 an hour.
I say no ******* way. Give me my damned car. I bet those bolts ARE my problem. I like my money right where it is....my pocket.
I say no ******* way. Give me my damned car. I bet those bolts ARE my problem. I like my money right where it is....my pocket.
