Troubleshooting Exhaust on '03 AWD Vibe

[VastOrangutan]

Hi all,I'm new to the forums and posted a collective question in maintenance including exhaust issues. I'll repost my problem here as it seems the more appropriate place.Just bought an '03 AWD Vibe with 115k. I know the engines are supposed to sound throaty, but this one definitely has an exhaust leak up towards the front of the engine. Not a terrible "hole in pipe" noise...I actually like the throatiness it has! However, it's not good to have an exhaust leak. After crawling around underneath...I've got it narrowed down to the donut gaskets or the manifold itself. I have yet to do an actual leak test on the pipe. I was actually wondering the most effective way to check for leaks! The noise isn't a clicking noise common of a loose manifold, so that's good. Does anybody have experience with what a cracked manifold sounds like? Anyway, from what I understand, these engines don't usually have manifold problems. Are the donut gaskets a common problem and would cause the noise I'm describing, or are we talking a more serious issue like a cracked manifold? I'm just looking for a good place to start, and possibly a reliable method of testing for leaks. I know of the soap and water method...does this actually work? Thanks for any help.

[star_deceiver]

Welcome to GenVibe!!! I'd start with a cold engine. Fire it up and immediatly crawl under and feel with your hand around the manifold for any leak before it gets too hot. Also try plugging the back of the tailpipe, if there is a leak this should make it quite noticable!!!

[drunkenmaxx]

i recommend using a banana to clog it.

[keithvibe]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Welcome to GenVibe!!! I'd start with a cold engine. Fire it up and immediatly crawl under and feel with your hand around the manifold for any leak before it gets too hot. Also try plugging the back of the tailpipe, if there is a leak this should make it quite noticable!!!I wouldn't do this... No matter how fast you crawl under there it gets hot in under 30 seconds.First thing I would do is remove the heat shield and look for the cracks. If you can't visually spot one. Then removing the manifold would be in order.I would look for soot markings around the manifold... It's pritty easy to get off if you want to inspect the donut gasket... If it is leaking from that gasket that unfortunally is the most expensive gasket in the exhaust.

[VastOrangutan]

Hey thanks keithvibe...checked prices for the gasket and it's around $12...although there is listed a flange gasket (which looks like the donut gasket I'm thinking needs replacing), as well as an "Exhaust Connector" listed for $5...This should be interesting.Top this off with the fact that from the Cat and back it's a stainless exhaust? I've looked around and I'm pretty sure these didn't come stock with stainless. It's a really well done job however, properly mounted with the rubber grommets. Was this an available option?