signs of leaking headers? bad install?

[Dy_]

i installed my headers today; used gaskets and sealants

just wondering what should i be looking for if theres a leak? what sort of sounds or anythign visual?

thanks people!

[geeang]

Most likely won't be anything visual, but you will most likely hear a hissing sound while you're driving if there's a leak.

[Dy_]

yeah im getting abit of a buzzing/flapping noise?

its more than likely to be coming from the 4-2 joint from the headers yeah? i dunno if i put enough of the sealant there thats why.

[pauly_231]

if you used gaskets and sealants ... you shouldnt have any leaks ..
but if its hissing on idle
then unbolt it and rebolt it and check again

[teaseR]

spray some soapy water.. if it bubbles then its leaking

[Dy_]

if you used gaskets and sealants ... you shouldnt have any leaks ..
but if its hissing on idle
then unbolt it and rebolt it and check again

and if its not hissing on idle it should be alright? thanks


spray some soapy water.. if it bubbles then its leaking

definitely going to try that tomorrow.

thanks boys rep to all.

[aaronng]

Different brand of headers can have different sounds. The sound could be from the flex pipe too even if there is no leak.

[Dy_]

Different brand of headers can have different sounds. The sound could be from the flex pipe too even if there is no leak.

atm its only the xforce headers bolted onto stock catback.

[aaronng]

atm its only the xforce headers bolted onto stock catback.
Is the flexpipe on the xforce the one with braid on the outside and accordion on the inside? That design gives a ringing sound under slight throttle.

[Dy_]

Is the flexpipe on the xforce the one with braid on the outside and accordion on the inside? That design gives a ringing sound under slight throttle.

nope not that one...no braid on mine.

its more a buzzing or flapping kind of noise when i acc.

[Limbo]

look for black soot, that's when its leaking.
Cheap stainless steel exhaust system make a swooshing noise cos they use such thin stainless steel.

May not be the install be the parts used.

[Limbo]

spray some soapy water.. if it bubbles then its leaking

that's not really gonna work cos it will hiss when its hot anyway if you spray anything on it.

You gotta get it under a hoist to feel for air leaks.

Otherwise let it run and look for black soot

[Joe kickarse]

Have someone block the back of exhaust temporarily and see if you can hear any stronger hissing noises at the headers.

[Dy_]

Leaks at the engine end of the header are like a "ticking" sound like loud lifters due to the firing of the ignition at different times. Farther down the stream like the converter connection it's more of an "air leaking" like sound because all the cylinders have fired and are mixed together.

yeah i dont have a ticking sound...i get a buzzing flapping sound...only on throttle. idle is fine.

so there might be a leak at the bottom end?

[geeang]

Yeah most likely at the one of the joins at the cat, I've got the same problem on mine.

[aaronng]

nope not that one...no braid on mine.

its more a buzzing or flapping kind of noise when i acc.
Then I would check again that all bolts/nuts are tight.

[mrwillz]

Have someone block the back of exhaust temporarily and see if you can hear any stronger hissing noises at the headers.

yeah i rekon thats best method to confirm if there is a leak