I found exhaust leaks on my truck by spraying soapy water on the exhaust. I use a shop vac in the tail pipe blowing air in. When i did that large bubbles formed and it was easy to spot. Turned out to be leaking from the flange donut gaskets. It's a lot easier to do it this way because the engine isnt running so the exhaust is cool. Plus you don't have to listen for anything.

@Tryin2FlyII

9 жыл бұрын

Hey that's a slick Idea Ha! (I use the soap & water on house gas pipe never thought of this use) I always hated having to wait for the exhaust to cool before I could finish the job

@robertprivera

8 жыл бұрын

+SkilledEddie I've done that too. works great.

@v_06_baradkaratharvavinaya70

8 жыл бұрын

how long should wait exhaust to cool after turning off engine!! (approx.)

@CT_Taylor

8 жыл бұрын

At least until your engine is cool to the touch, because the exhaust components get hotter than your engine will read its temp at.

@v_06_baradkaratharvavinaya70

8 жыл бұрын

Correct thanks man

You have the ultimate "reality" mechanics channel on youtube. You put the good, the bad, and the ugly which really shows people what they are getting into with auto mechanics. Thanks!

woke up this morning and thought someone put twin turbo in my 98 accord.. I was sadly mistaken

@lilblingking1491

5 жыл бұрын

HAHAHA that's hilarious

@sarag1158

5 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

@666polkilla

5 жыл бұрын

😂🤣😂🤣

@liveandletlive2894

4 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 thanks for the laugh

I've never heard of anyone using the rag method, but it sounds like a great idea. The shop vac suggestion someone else made in the comments sounds great too.

Eric,even when i don't have problems with my vehicles. i enjoy watching your videos because it further expands my knowledge in the automotive field. thank you so much! keep the videos coming!

I finding exhaust leaks right now. Thanks Eric for this video, you are doing great job for all of us.

Excellent video thanks a lot. Changed the head gasket on my 1980 Triumph Spitfire. Got everything back together to find the exhaust was leaking. Couldn’t find any obvious leaks in the pipe, gave this video a watch, hopefully can sort it out with an easy fix like this!

Great tip Eric. I was dreading looking for my exhaust leak until I came across your video. Thanks!

QUICK NOTES: 1) Weep holes may be found at the muffler which is for water (Not a leak) so don't plug it 2) Plug mufflers with a rag to enhance any leaks and force the exhaust out of whatever is leaking (NOTE: Should be easier for you to hear & find the leak. You could also feel around areas for the leak as you'll feel the exhaust leaking out from being plugged at the muffler) 3) If found sound/leak by Exhaust Manifold: A) Tighten up Fasteners on Exhaust Manifold to see if that resolves it or B) Replace the Gasket(s) ***So informative and helpful!! Thank you Eric, salute!!

Great trick. The trick I always use is seafoam. I pour it into the brake booster hose while the engine is running to burn off the carbon in the heads and top end. Very opaque smoke will pour out of the exhaust and any leaks. This is how I found a broken flex joint in my grand prix.

I thought for sure you were going to do the dollar bill trick to find the leak. Where you hold a dollar just over the pipe and move it around until you see it flapping. For me it works better than feeling with my hand. Thanks for your time! Rad videos Eric!

Greetings from the UK. I was being razzed by a flange visibly intact apart from the bit I could not see and but for your tip I don't know how long it would have taken to pinpoint. Once I could hear the changing tone the location was nailed. Lo and behold once off there she was! Cannot thank you enough!.

Very informative thank you, A question which came up for me was how dangerous can blocking the exhaust be for the car and how long have I got with the rag?

Thank you for this video, Saw that my muffler was "Weeping" thought it might have been a more serious issue. You gave me the info I needed to hear!

Eric, I love your videos. I just pinpointed two cracks in the exhaust manifold of my 2005 Nisson Altima. I took my shop vac with the hose connected to the blowing side of the machine and then connected the free end to the tail pipe. To my surprise the hose fit over the tail pipe so good that no further sealing (e.g. duct tape) was necessary. With the engine off I turned on the shop vac. I then used my mechanics stethoscope with the probe end removed to hunt for the leak. I had a suspicion it was near the catalytic converter and sure enough it was. There were two separate cracks; each running parallel to a weld.

Jus want to say well done on explaining everything in detail. You answered my concern/question, about a small hole that looked like it was put there not made from coroshen or anything. I was kinda concern seeing it leaking the water out after finally running my van. I hadn't ran it in like 2weeks from working on it.. so thanks slot for answering questions before even asking. Lol

If you have tried the rag in exhaust trick and still can't find it, give your engine a dose if seafoam thru the intake/vacuum line. Doesn't matter if seafoam does anything, but the resulting smokescreen makes leaks SO easy to find.

@Spac8

8 жыл бұрын

obviously while using the rag!

@XTRABIG

7 ай бұрын

Thanks!

It was literally as simple as starting my car from cold, taking off my glove, and feeling for leaks. I found a gash in my exhaust within minutes. You are the man, Eric the Car Guy!!!

Thanks for all ur videos, I'm a huge fan of urs man u have taught me a lot. I always come to youtube hoping to find a new video of Eric the car guy. Keep up with the good work.

thanks for the video eric ! just wondering when covering the tip with a rag, if for some reason there isnt a leak, is that bad for the engine/car as the exhaust gases will have no where to go?? how long is it able to be done safely? thanks !

So easy yet I would have never even thought of this. Thank you Eric!

My husband's car was making a funny noise but no lights on the dash were on and it was driving just fine. I sent a video of it to my brother who said it could possibly be an exhaust leak. So I looked up exhaust leak and stumbled upon your video and so glad I did. I probably would have paid an arm and leg and paid for stuff that didn't need to be repaired. He had 2 fasteners that were barely on. We tightened them up and the noise stop. Thanks so much again for this video!!

@aaliahfuller1609

12 күн бұрын

This what’s happen to me now

The mechanic was nice enough to lift my car up & show me the leak when it didn't pass emissions inspection here. I don't know if people have required emissions inspections elsewhere. He also used a shop rag but it wasn't really necessary; it was a big leak. Definitely going back to this shop if I ever need something done.

HEY ERIC DAM I KNOWN YOU FOR YEARS NOT PERSONAL BUT IVE LEARNED ALOT FROM YOU OVER THE YEARS THANKS AGAIN FOR THE HELP BROTHER GODBLESS HOPE ALL IS WELL...

You are always giving out LOADS of good info but THIS one was really great!! Stay dirty!

VIDEOS LIKE THIS AND OLD SKOOL FUNK IS WHY I AM A DO IT YOURSELF KINDA GFUY . AND THE FEELING OF ACCOMPLISHMENT IS UNDESCRIBABLE!

Thank you so much for this video! I feel much more confident about searching out my exhaust leak!

hey, thanks a lot Eric! had seen a few of your vids, helped out in a few situations to troubleshoot some minor stuff on my car! Cheers!

You're the man Eric, these videos have been very helpful to me. thanks

Great video and very useful tips!I have a 2014 cadillac ats 2.0t with a catback exhaust (corsa) and for some reason it's way louder than when I first got it.does that necessarily mean I might have an exhaust leak?

ive also had experienced techs tell me to pour a small amount of atf into the intake or through a vacuum line then watch the exahaust system to see where the smoke comes out of but your method also works quite well

thanks for sharing this valuable information about exhaust leaks, specially the holes for water leak.

Good video Eric love your videos ,here in the great white north,Canada,wouldn't even attempt tightening manifold to pipe studs without heat applied ,as the studs would likely twist off as they are the size of pencils after 20 years ,roger

Depending on where the exhaust leak is it can allow exhaust to leak into places you don't' want it it. Namely the cab of the vehicle, and that can cause all kinds of problems. Also your car may not pass local emission regs, and a lot of people like their car to be as quiet as possible. Also exhausts are actually a pretty key part of your overall engine performance. A bad exhaust system can cause subpar performance if allowed to un checked. Perhaps even cause engine damage.

I fixed the exhaust leak on my 2010 Camry LE 2.5L i4. It was leaking from the flex pipe. I ordered a new piece and had the muffler shop weld it in. So much quieter now. I think mpg and performance went up also. But not sure. I didn't want to wait to long and lead to more issues. Darn salt they use on the roads has cause many issues on this car. It's also worn out a lot of the pulleys which I replaced as well. The salt cause the covers to rust out exposing the grease. I replaced both belts as well. As chunks were missing. Def original from 09-10 188k Wow that's a clean install you did! That's the right way to do it replace it all. This way the old part of the exhaust doesn't go bad as the other parts are new. But the rest of my exhaust seems to be ok so I didn't replace it all. Plus it was very expensive.

Thanks Eric, today i learned about the rag trick and muffler weep-holes. ;) Always learn something new with your videos. Keep em coming.

Pretty good advice. Thank you for posting this video

Eric you've helped me in the past, a question, will a leak in the flex pipe cause a rough driving idle?

Extremely useful information! Thanks!

@4:54 "If you could feel, if you could feel it through the video." 😂

@samanthaandthevolume8225

6 жыл бұрын

Rick Richie 😂😂😂😂I heard that! Ha!

@seth4321

6 жыл бұрын

Came to the comments to find this. 😄

@Teebtentoes

5 жыл бұрын

Rick Richie this is hilarious cuz he said It like 5 seconds after i read this😂😂

@flyman11311

5 жыл бұрын

@@Teebtentoes lol i heard that too 😂😂

Like the flange that Eric found, I read on here a few comments down that it's better to try tightening a bolt when it's warm or you can snap them off. Can you use a spray lubricant on them before you try to see if its loose or not...I dont want to snap the bolts off.

Wow Eric I ain't even know you can feel. Threw the video that alone was educational for me Eric you rule man you rule.

This method worked for me instantly. Thanks, Eric.

I worked at a Midas Mufler and I kept a length of fuel line on my tool cart just for this problem. I would hold one end of the line to my ear and moved the other end around where I thought there would be a leak. You can hear it very well like that. Also if you have a torch handy you can pop a small hole into the pipe and put the torch tip in the hole. You will be able to see the leak as flame will come out there.

Are those exhaust wraps/patches an effectivee measure to pass Inspection?

NICE ... looks like I could see some leaks around the opposite side of the O2 Sensor also- thanks for taking out the time to make this - BE BLESSED.

Thanks for the "rag-on-the-muffler" trick! My 1998 Civic just started getting really loud. I'm almost certain it's the pipe leading to the muffler. I had that pipe rust out 3-ish years ago, and I think the new pipe has rusted out.

Very informative and helpful...Thnx Eric!

I think that's a good idea with the shop rag in the muffler, I'm gonna try it, also with the rag can you use the soap water spray with it, what kind of soapy water spray is it and can you use just R-T-U spray cleaner you normally buy at the store like glass cleaner or degreaser cleaner.

Eric your video was very good and helpful. Now on my 02 Hyundai Sonata for the noise when I accelerate gets louder & start up-it sounds like an exhaust to me-as it is only up front I hear it. Before I take car to shop I look up problems. This may be the donut/gasket between exhaust manifold to tailpipe-but its under front of engine. I'm praying it isn't that catalytic converter. I wish you were my mechanic:)

good info ,i have a question,i need to replace my gasket between my cat and b pipe on 02 rsx,how long should i heat the bolts to take them out? thank you in advance.

Awesome tip!!!!!! wish i considered that while locating an intake manifold valve and hose leak.

I replaced the whole exhaust too. I used some black stuff. It was labeled "gasket sealant" & you have to wait a couple of minutes until it feels tacky before you make your connection. The sealant has to say it's ok for exhaust or it won't stand up to the high temperatures. Also be sure you have a gasket in between. If the install instructions don't call for one, I would still buy a gasket that fits in between the connections. Good luck.

Great video I just subscribed. Question I have is, what is the average cost to fix this? Just to have an idea.

Hey Eric thankyou for the videos, im just curious can this extra pressure buildup from covering exhaust cause issues or is it safe?

❤️The videos Eric... U helped me out more then once, Thanks!!

Thanks so much for teaching me this. It was great help.

thank you for sharing the video. its really helpful with the rag.

Thanks for sharing this video Eric. I've got a noticeable leak in my exhaust. There is virtually no way it is not coming from the underneath the vehicle in the exhaust pipe area. I can feel air hitting my hand around where the flex pipe is located. There doesn't seem to be any soot on the flex pipe. How else can I verify once narrowing down the location of the sound? My car is a 1996 toyota camry le v6 (3.0 L V6 1MZ-FE)

@MnDakota37

6 жыл бұрын

Signed Up flex pipe is either stretched or damaged

I enjoyed the video it helped me with exhaust leak I had to and I found it by watching you thank you

Hi Eric. Your other video on using CLR and back-flushing the lines for the heater core also helped me out. I'm going to try this rag trick out. I recently (6 months ago)replaced from the exhaust manifold to the cat and used replaced the associated gaskets. Now it's gotten loud but it seems to be coming from under the heat shield for the exhaust manifold. I'm hoping it's just the same screws that you tightened in this video and not a cracked manifold. Thanks!

Very Helpful, thanks for posting Brah.

nice trick.....thanks a lot. My old car has a lot of leaks in the exhaust system. I will try to fix it these days

Just curious would it be a little safer and easier to just blow a fog machine back up the exhaust with the car not running? If the machine had enough pressure to push it that far.

Eric, the rag in the pipe nailed it for me. Now for the fix. What is your take on using the "split flange" for rotted out exhaust pipe flanges? I see you fixed one with a welder, but I don't weld. What say you?

i had the same issue on my 91 accord, went through a puddle and it sounded like my exhaust fell, i found that the downpipes nuts had loosened to far and the gasket actually fell out. replaced and now it sounds better

Thats great that u saw the improvement u were looking for. My only concern is, and this may be a shot in the dark, depending on how old ur vehicle is, running the best types of fuel in an old vehicle may not be the best way for it. Some of the better fuels are so rich and can leak in certain areas of either the fuel system, or the engine in general. Same goes for oil I think? That is why u need to know exactly what ur putting in it. Like I said, shot in dark, please dnt hate on my comment.

I can smell fumes inside the passenger cabin, unless I turn the fresh air fan on. I found an exhaust leak just before the muffler where a clamp joins the muffler section of pipe to the pipe that goes to the catalytic converter. Even though it's so far back (2006 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.8L), would those fumes still make it into the cabin or does the leak have to be up in the engine compartment?

Thank you for the information.

Nice vid again. Just subscribed to your channel, been watching your videos a lot though and I really love what you're doing here. Keep it up! BTW, when working with that Subaru next time plz tell us what's the situtation with that head gasket-issue - did the car had one or was the previous owner just guessing wrong?

Sounds like a good technique. An exhaust on a Mazda Rx-7 gets extremely hot, so the rag, or one's hand being close to the system, may not last too long.

hows ya do Eric the car guy .hi ya well I ave a Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 elegance petrol 54 plate . I ave a I think a split in my exhaust on the part with what looks like a wire arm band like in your video .its near the front of the car but underneath .would I be able to weld it ? and would that leak cause a idle .hope u can help me m8t

Excelente dica, valeu Eric!

I just recently bought a used 2008 Toyota Sienna van. I just had the thing in the Toyota dealership the day before getting an out state inspection done, plus brakes, alignment and windshield replacement. Unfortunately I am smelling exhaust fumes inside the cab from time to time. Any suggestions ?

Hi Eric love your videos. I have a 2000 civic VP /DX and my exhaust manifold has a crack in it at the 02 sensor. It has the one piece manifold and cat on it. My question is will the two piece Dorman or walker brand fit it and bolt up the same. Thanks so much and keep the awesome videos coming.

Thanks for the info sir!!

Good info as always Eric!

How long should you keep the rag plugging the exhaust while you check for the leak? Is it harmful to the motor doing this?

Great Tip! Thanks, Eric The Car Guy.

I was driving my Mazda a few days ago and I was stopped at a light and then when the light turned green my car was super loud like it had a straight pipe and it wasn't moving off the start like it usually does. Once I got to a certain rpm then it started to have more power. Was weird and everyone told me I probably have a failed gasket or leak somewhere.I haven't looked at it yet cuz I have a lot of cars but do you think a failed gasket or exhaust leak would make my car get super loud like it had a straight pipe? I was under there looking at the piping a few weeks before and I noticed that several of the welds on the car are really crappy like a beginner welded it together

@v_06_baradkaratharvavinaya70

8 жыл бұрын

my wild guess: in my Suzuki WagonR 2007 , somewhere in rear ex. system is a UNspotted leak and the normal stock car sounds like a real sports car!!!BAM

This is what has to be going on with my maxima 3.5 the front manifold gasket to the catalytic convert gasket is gone but its hars to pin point becuase the heat shield redirects the leak maybe oll try tightening the fasteners down like you did

Hey random question. If you go over a speed bump and the bottom or of the car hits the ground, what damage could possibly occur?

Is there a big difference between the gasket for the manifold and just the manifold itself sound/air wise ?

Oh,so it's ok for my civic to have water leaking out of it? I noticed it a few minutes ago. Supposedly it was leaking at the bit where the muffler connects to the middle pipe. I also noticed a bit of water inside the tip of the muffler.

I learned some useful tips. I will be attempting to remove the down pipe part that goes from the exhaust manifold to the wherever it ends, not sure, possibly the muffler, or the catalytic converter. That shows you how little I know about this stuff.

Hi Eric I have a 19 plate transit custom I have exhaust fume under the bonnet at the back of the engine no oil or water leak no loss of power smell is leaking in to cabin when I use heater blowers any ideas cheers

5:35 - 5:36 That knocking sound is what I have on my 02' Civic. I have been looking everywhere for an answer to that very particular sound. It comes in around 2500-3000 rpms. Is it possible it's still leaking in the video at that time??? Halp

eric u teach me so much , u need your own tv show

@fiascodon8996

6 жыл бұрын

usernamelane1986 I be saying the same thing

@scottscratcher1220

6 жыл бұрын

usernamelane1986 you are right we need to keep up with the performancel and power our cars deserve if not they will just fall apart then more $$$$$$$$$$

@davidflores4355

6 жыл бұрын

usernamelane1986 qfc iui

Is it the B or V pipe section you pulled out because my 90 civic has one is that section

Thanks for the help. I Didn't think of the rag. That should help find my leak (if I do have a leak)

I put Seafoam in the engine. When it starts smoking, then do the rag trick and smoke will be pouring out of any leaks.

@jglaboratory

6 жыл бұрын

Best idea to date.ty

@georgedoughly6344

5 жыл бұрын

lizard944 SeaFoam is Awesome Stuff!

@HHIVR4

5 жыл бұрын

Exactly what I do.$6 smoke test lol

@Sroor2023

4 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂 Nice even you can spray some water itll do same thing

@coopersilberling6883

4 жыл бұрын

Time to seafoam my car the second time in a week

Yes very helpful love your fixing vids Eric you da man

I appreciate the advice I will use your techniques thanks man

thank you, great video, it helped me a lot.

About the same way I've done it before. Some of the trickier ones become very obvious with the addition of a few drips of ATF into the intake, too.

Hey quick question, i there any way i can damage the exhaust if i try to bend the tips? One of the pipes on my car is not aligned with rest, can i just try to bend the other one a little?

Very helpful, you’re a legend!

Just watched 1 of your videos on repairing an exhaust leak. What is with the flanges these days? Seems to be a point that needs repair on older cars. Anyway a tip 4U. I found in tight places like the top of exhaust pipes the good old cordless rotary like Dremal tools work great. especially the cordless. For about 20 minutes or so. The thicker grinding discs will cut pert near anything. The thin discs that come with the set are useless. You can but 1/32 and 1/16 thick that work great. Wire brushes work fine but have a short life. Unless some knows a set that last. As for welding the top of the pipe. There is a JBL exhaust epoxy that does harden like a rock and does last a while. Like about a year. On small leaks it should be great. Costs about $8 and once mixed will harden in the tube.

@andreaheredia2191

Жыл бұрын

Q

So helpful, thanks 👍

came across JW industries donut fix for bolt issues - looked pretty nifty, have you tried them?