exhaust leak

[pooya76]

hello, i have a 69 280 se with a exhaust leak. i can smell the fumes inside the car. whats the best way to check to see where the leak is coming from?
thank you

[Todd Miller]

You can check the exhaust system by starting the engine and holding a wadded up rag or towel over the exhaust tips with your hand. As the exhaust pressure builds, you'll hear any leaks in the exhaust system become much louder. It's nice to have a friend do this for you, while you listen for and chase down the location(s) of the leaks.

If you don't find any exhaust system leaks, then you could have exhaust fumes coming in from the trunk lid gasket. Check how well it seals by closing the trunk lid on a piece of paper (some people like to use a dollar bill) and then try to slide the piece of paper around the trunk lid. Anywhere you can easily move the paper, is a place where the gasket isn't sealing well. Replace the gasket and/or adjust the trunk lid as indicated by your further inspection.

If the trunk seal is good, then check the firewall for missing, rotted, damaged, or dislodged grommets. Any openings in the firewall can let in engine fumes (and sound). 3M Strip Caulk makes a nice repair material, and it's black so it looks decent too.

[pooya76]

thank you very much for all the help. i didn't even think about the trunk lid. i had taken the gasket out awhile back, so i can re stick it back on and i have forgotten about it. thanks again.