Exhaust smoke tests... are these used in garages?

[Webby the Bear]

As above really. would love a definitive answer as to whether i have an exhaust leak. and then i read about this.

anyone ever used or know of a shop i can get this done? 

[tunnie]

Best way is to feel around the exhaust for hot gasses. Or put you hand over (briefly) to cover the exhaust tail pipe, see if when covered it gives a lot of back pressure.

Common places are flange to the cat & between centre boxes to back box. 9/10 it fails on the pipes to the back box

[Entwood]

One way of checking for an exhaust leak is very, very simple......

With engine running at tickover only, use a large handful of cloth and hold tightly over the end of the exhaust pipe.. you will feel the pressure build up considerably, if it doesn't you have a BIG hole, if the pressure builds up and you hear an increasing loud "hiss" you have a smaller leak, if the pressure builds and, either the engine stalls, or you can no longer hold against the pressure, you have no leak ...

simples .... 

There is one other scenario ....  if the pressure starts to build, then there is a loud bang and the pressure drops, your exhaust system was weak and you have just blown a bloody great hole in it ... you now have a large leak .... 

Must type faster .. same idea as Tunnie's .. but a bit more descriptive

[Webby the Bear]

cheers boys, i will try this. thanks very much 

out of interest and just cos i've seen some ''interesting'' youtube tests..... anyone ever heard of ''Seafoam''? seems the yanks use it a lot. surprised i cant find an english alternative!

thanks boys 

[Strangechap]

Lots of the yanks on the Trans Am forums I loiter on use Seafoam, its good for cleaning carbs/fuel system and stabilising petrol over the winter when our 'birds are off the road.

[Kevin Wood]

The best method by far... Take one latex glove, bin liner or large balloon, and a roll of duct tape.

Make sure the camera is rolling..
Approach the rear of TheBoy's your vehicle..
Attach to exhaust..
Wait..

[omega3000]

Bring it over steve , jack it up and we can stuff a rag over the exhaust while you underneath it , thats  what we did to my elite but there was no leaks and very good pressure 

[Jimbob]

The best method by far... Take one latex glove, bin liner or large balloon, and a roll of duct tape.

Make sure the camera is rolling..
Approach the rear of TheBoy's your vehicle..
Attach to exhaust..
Wait..

You mean like this?

[omega3000]

 

[Gaffers]

 

The next step of that prank is under development 

[Webby the Bear]

hahahaha nice!!!

cheers steve, we can sort all this out next sunday while youre removing them there butterflies 

[TheBoy]

How very childish... 

I didn't laugh....   ....much

[cem_devecioglu]

   hmmm.. I have good plans for job friends

[omega3000]

hahahaha nice!!!

cheers steve, we can sort all this out next sunday while youre removing them there butterflies 

I think i got a spare pink marigold 

[Webby the Bear]

hahahaha nice!!!

cheers steve, we can sort all this out next sunday while youre removing them there butterflies 

I think i got a spare pink marigold 

lol should be no need mate. i got F1 utocentre doing a free exhaust leak check tomorrow just for completeness