How to Find an Exhaust Leak

The exhaust system on a vehicle is designed to carry the burned engine gases away from the car, according to www.autoeducation.com. If there is even one exhaust leak, these gases, which include poisonous carbon monoxide, can end up seeping into the passenger area. Exhaust leaks also affect the performance of the engine because the exhaust controls the emissions. This can lead to lower gas mileage and malfunctions with a vehicles computerized system. Thats why you need to find an exhaust leak as soon as possible.

Instructions

1

Park the vehicle on a level spot and set the emergency brake. Crawl underneath the vehicle with a trouble light and a wire brush. Position yourself so you can see the exhaust system. It runs from the tailpipe up to where it disappears into the engine compartment.

2

Move the trouble light slowly up and down the exhaust as you inspect it. Look for places where black carbon has built up. This can indicate theres a hole in the pipe. Scrape away the carbon with the wire brush and look for an exhaust leak.

3

Look for rusted areas on the exhaust pipe. Moisture, salt on the roadways, and other factors can cause rust to form. The rust eats through the metal and creates leaks. Clean rust spots with the wire brush and look for holes in the metal.

4

Inspect the exhaust pipe for dents, dings and other signs of damage. These areas may indicate places where the pipe was damaged. If you drove over debris in the roadway or across a bumpy railroad crossing, for example, (especially if the vehicle sits low), the exhaust may have gotten a hole in it.

5

Inspect the joints connecting the exhaust system together, according to www.basiccarrepair.com. These are common places for a leak to occur. Make sure they are tightened together and arent rusted, or are otherwise damaged.

6

Start the vehicle and raise the hood. Listen for hisses or popping noises, according to www.aa1car.com. Look for discolored or burned paint by the exhaust ports on the cylinder head. Check the sparkplug wires and the rubber boots for signs of heat damage caused by an exhaust leak.