Checking for exhaust leaks

[koston33]

Just wanted to know how to check/look for leaks. Just installed midpipe and just want to be safe.

 

[Kain]

Two methods:

1) Mix soap and water in a spray bottle. Shake it up well. Put car on jack stands, let it idle, crawl underneath, spray flanges. If you see bubbles forming, you have a leak.

2) Same as #1 (idle car on jackstands), but use a thin rubber hose as a stethoscope. Run one end near the flanges and listen on the other end. Whistling noises = leak.

 

[koston33]

Thanks

 

[Kain]

No problem. When I've done exhaust swaps in the past, I've always used a copper RTV to reinforce the gaskets, then torqued the bolts to spec with some high-temp Loctite.