Manifold leak. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PanzerSD · #1 04-07-2009, 05:57 PM

I'm going to talk about my exhaust system a little here, and hopefully, your comments will convince me beyond a shadow of doubt that I have an exhaust leak.

I believe I have an exhaust leak beause I hear a lout tapping/tink sound from the passengers side engine compartment. I've felt the valve cover on that side and it doesn't FEEL like it's tapping under there.
My exhaust is the multi-piece variety with EGR. The pipes coming from the manifolds are relatively small, What size should they be? Also, This tinking sound transmits down to the Catalytic converters (which I've since removed)
the pipe then goes down each side of the transmission tunnel, and they both turn 90* inward to eachother and then they are welded to a single piece of pipe, the size of this pipe is only slightly larger than the other. then resonator then muffler.

Can that junction between the two side restrict enough to cause that tinkling? It is relatively loud. is it likely going to be the head -> manifold gasket, or the couplers between the pieces.

I have no extra exhaust smell in the engine compartment.

Gilly · #2 04-07-2009, 08:00 PM

Can usually see a black spot at the manifold where it meets the head where the leak is. Other alternatives are using your hand to feel for the leak, you of course do this on a stone cold engine and before it gets a chance to warm up. You can also try using soapy water in a spray bottle under these same circumstances.
If the "cold engine" tactics don't work you can also use a 3 foot section of hose to help you listen for the area the leak is coming from, something like a 5/8" or 3/4" heater hose.

Gilly

PanzerSD · #3 04-07-2009, 11:02 PM

Easter weekend coming up, I'll see if I can procure some pipe and manifold gaskets...
anyone ever put any sort of pipe headers on these engines? that's probably a custom built type of thing eh?