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View Full Version : Help tracking an exhaust leak?



unsullied_spy
11-16-2013, 07:59 PM
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/11/th_PI4BEE_zpsbca8c834-1.jpg (http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r37/Unsullied_Spy/PI4BEE_zpsbca8c834.mp4)

It's somewhat hard to pick out in the video from the various typical Subaru noises but you can hear a ticking under load. I thought it was the exhaust manifold gaskets because the engine has been out several times and thought they finally went bad. The ones I took out did have soot marks on them after ~100 miles on the new engine but the new gaskets did not fix the problem. I have rechecked the torque on the nuts to make sure I'm not squishing the gaskets or anything and all is well. I'm leaning towards the mating surface on the heads of the new engine not being completely flat. If so how hard is it to smooth out the head?

jjay03
12-16-2013, 06:30 PM
I have the same exact issue with my borla header. Im going to use some permatex ultra copper rtv on the gaskets this time. I also asked the machine shop to deck the surface on the heads where the exhaust flanges mate. Most likely the flanges on the borla are not flat though.

Matty2Hotty
12-17-2013, 07:02 PM
Use some seafoam that will show all your leaks, put your hand over the muffler while running for a couple seconds to build a little back pressure.

jjay03
12-17-2013, 09:44 PM
I wouldnt use seafoam on a car with converters. I had before and not long after I was replacing the converter.