Exhaust leak

[ADub]

Sorry, I tried to search, but for some reason, I continuously get a flood control error. My gf has a 99 S10, 2.2 with a 5sp 75k miles. She has been complaining about the mileage beeing down and after driving it and listening to it, I'm pretty sure it has an exhaust leak. No check engine light, I scanned the O2's and they seem to be normal. Are there any common places these engines develop leaks at. Anyone have a good suggestion about going and finding the leak?

 

Thanks

 

AW

[chevy4x4trucks]

if you live in the salt belt it could be anywhere. I would suggest poking your head under the truck and see if you can tell where it's loudest.

 

If by some slim chance you live around milwaukee, wi i can point you in the direction of a good muffler shop that will check it out for you.

[drumset5994]

On my old S10, the flex pipe right below the exhaust manifold had gone. To check it, spray a little soapy water in a spray bottle. If she bubbles, she's leaking. I know mine sounded absolutly rumbling loud, and i couldnt find a single leak except there.

 

But good luck on replacing it. I'd take it somewhere...from what i saw/hear...welding was involved, unless you can find the whole pipe with the flex pipe online somewhere.

 

Good luck!

[ahabofthepequod]

If it has an exhaust leak it will usually sound louder.

 

Now the noise can come from:

 

The exhaust manifolds -- cracks, loose studs, leaking gaskets, rusted clamp to the converter. Sensor locations and lines leading from these parts.

 

The converter -- cracks rust holes leake where pipes meet and/or rusted clamp, a loose external heat shield can have a broken weld & sound like a muffler leak.

 

The muffler -- Loose clamps, loose/broken internal baffles, again a baffle can break and create a hole in the casing. Can also create a loss in mileage.

 

The pipes -- even a hole in an exhaust pipe located after the muffler can sound loud, bent ends of the pipe can make wierd sounds.

 

Well the most obvious way to check is to get under it where you can get to all areas of the exhaust.

 

With the brakes set & the engine at idle crawl under & "carefully" start at the front and work to the rear. Listen to the exhaust and run your hand near but not on the system (IT GETS REAL HOT).

 

Good Luck!