Testing for exhaust leak?

[skinner]

I'm actually hoping for an exhaust leak. I just got done building this motor, hooking it all up, only to hear a deep yet semi loud tap from one bank.
My first thought was exh manifold leak. But it's not a small one wherever it is(i've heard the ol pressure cooker hairline leaks). Its almost sounds like an old biplane. I'd hate(read:HATE) to tear this ***** back apart though to find out. I put my hand on the valve cover and didn't feel any knocking/tapping at all. I'm HOPING its the manifold or gasket(new gasket btw). Is there a good way to tell? Damn shops around here want 85$ and admittedly would just put a piece of hose on diff parts of the engine to try to tell where its coming from. I've done this, but its too hard to tell. And this isn't my first rodeo. Are there any shops that can do a UV gas test or something to the extent to let me know for sure?

 

[Danger06Ranger]

Smoke machine in the tail pipe always works.

 

[Shran]

Tried the wooden dowel trick? Seems to work better than a piece of hose for localizing noises.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Plug the tail pipe with a rag and feel around with your hands. It may just be the y-pipe leaking where it mates with the manifold, I just fiddled with mine for about an hour a bit ago to because it was leaking there.

 

[AllanD]

The best bet is a tennis ball wrapped in a couple of shop rags.

have a friend hold it over the end of your tail pipe while you go looking for the hiss.

AD

 

[lil red]

or spray a little carb cleaner in the carb or intake, and plug the exaust with a rag, itshould smoke like hell

 

[projectnitemare]

The best bet is a tennis ball wrapped in a couple of shop rags.

have a friend hold it over the end of your tail pipe while you go looking for the hiss.

AD

Thats what I use. You'll hear it leaking if there is a leak.

Matt

 

[skinner]

No luck guys.
Thanks for the advice. Rather than waste money testing it, I think im just going to pull one from a yard because they only want about 15 bucks and hope it goes away...can't beat that.
Anyone know if there is a difference between 2wd and 4wd manifolds on 3.0s?(its a 98 if that matters).

 

[PaleBlue90]

im not trying to thread jack, but were mine meets the y-pipe its leaking. new exaust? or what?