C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

C4 Exhaust Leak

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 3, 2016 | 01:38 PM
  #1  
noahkim205's Avatar
noahkim205
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Alabama
Default C4 Exhaust Leak

Hello everyone,

I've been having this issue with the loud engine vibrating like heart beats when the gear is on neutral or parked. My C4's current average mpg stays around 11. I'm assuming that it's something to do with the exhaust leak. There is a check engine light with code 13, but I already replaced the oxygen sensor and the light is still there. I've heard if there is an exhaust leak there can be problems with the oxygen sensor at the same time.

How can I fix this issue and what would cost me to fix it from the repairers?

Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2016 | 02:46 PM
  #2  
84Z51J's Avatar
84Z51J
Racer
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 21
From: Grand Rapids MI
Default

Exhaust leak allows unmetered oxygen to tamper with the O2 sensor's readings. If it's bad enough, it will force the ECM to remain in open loop, set the idiot light, and run rich. That's likely where your MPGs went--fix the leak & see where you stand.

If you have a jack & stands you can probably repair it yourself. Find the breach, take pics & head to the parts store. There are several types of bandages & putties available for the purpose; some will be easier to use than others based on where the problem is. Should be back on the road in <30min for <$10, unless the damage/rust is severe, or a gasket has failed.

Last edited by 84Z51J; Jun 3, 2016 at 02:53 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2016 | 09:55 PM
  #3  
VikingTrad3r's Avatar
VikingTrad3r
Oil Producer
Supporting Gold
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,375
Likes: 2,737
Default

what year, what side do you think the exhaust leak is coming from, and where in the exhaust do you think its leaking.


Originally Posted by noahkim205
Hello everyone,

I've been having this issue with the loud engine vibrating like heart beats when the gear is on neutral or parked. My C4's current average mpg stays around 11. I'm assuming that it's something to do with the exhaust leak. There is a check engine light with code 13, but I already replaced the oxygen sensor and the light is still there. I've heard if there is an exhaust leak there can be problems with the oxygen sensor at the same time.

How can I fix this issue and what would cost me to fix it from the repairers?

Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2016 | 10:14 PM
  #4  
aklim's Avatar
aklim
Team Owner
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
Default

Originally Posted by 84Z51J
Exhaust leak allows unmetered oxygen to tamper with the O2 sensor's readings. If it's bad enough, it will force the ECM to remain in open loop, set the idiot light, and run rich. That's likely where your MPGs went--fix the leak & see where you stand.

If you have a jack & stands you can probably repair it yourself. Find the breach, take pics & head to the parts store. There are several types of bandages & putties available for the purpose; some will be easier to use than others based on where the problem is. Should be back on the road in <30min for <$10, unless the damage/rust is severe, or a gasket has failed.
True but unless you have LT headers and the sensor is at the very far end, what is the difference? Past the sensor, you can pump in pure oxygen for all it cares. He has an L98 which has the sensor pretty close to the heads, relatively so unless he has a massive head to exhaust manifold leak, I don't think that is the issue.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2016 | 10:16 PM
  #5  
aklim's Avatar
aklim
Team Owner
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
Default

Originally Posted by noahkim205
Hello everyone,

I've been having this issue with the loud engine vibrating like heart beats when the gear is on neutral or parked. My C4's current average mpg stays around 11. I'm assuming that it's something to do with the exhaust leak. There is a check engine light with code 13, but I already replaced the oxygen sensor and the light is still there. I've heard if there is an exhaust leak there can be problems with the oxygen sensor at the same time.

How can I fix this issue and what would cost me to fix it from the repairers?

Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
I think Code 13 is an O2 sensor circuit problem. Why don't you get a scanner and see what the ECM is seeing? If the ECM sees nothing, get the car good and hot and disconnect the O2 sensor and see if it gets voltage. If it does give voltage, your wire might be broke.
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2016 | 12:02 AM
  #6  
84Z51J's Avatar
84Z51J
Racer
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 21
From: Grand Rapids MI
Default

Originally Posted by aklim
True but unless you have LT headers and the sensor is at the very far end, what is the difference? Past the sensor, you can pump in pure oxygen for all it cares. He has an L98 which has the sensor pretty close to the heads, relatively so unless he has a massive head to exhaust manifold leak, I don't think that is the issue.
Exhaust moves in pulses, so O2 can make its way inside a rusted/cracked pipe in odd ways, but you're right that location is important & will make the scenario more or less likely. I'd fix the leak wherever it is (generally quick & easy, and the neighbors appreciate it), then chase the trouble code.
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2016 | 11:24 AM
  #7  
FASTAZU's Avatar
FASTAZU
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,618
Likes: 1,055
From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
Default

Originally Posted by VikingTrad3r
what year, what side do you think the exhaust leak is coming from, and where in the exhaust do you think its leaking.

What year, the LT1 has a bad habit of cracking the exhaust manifolds in the corners.


Reply
Old Jun 4, 2016 | 02:01 PM
  #8  
aklim's Avatar
aklim
Team Owner
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
Default

OP. Please fill out your profile better so we know what year your car is and location. At this point, based on your 5 posts, you are an L98 which can be any year from 85 to 91. Your location is also very useful when we look at it since someone might be near you who has the tools or ability to come over and look at it in person.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 4, 2016 | 02:03 PM
  #9  
aklim's Avatar
aklim
Team Owner
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
Default

Originally Posted by We Gone
What year, the LT1 has a bad habit of cracking the exhaust manifolds in the corners.
He has an L98 according to another post. I still feel it would be best to look at the ECM and see if it is getting any data from the sensor. If not, we might have a bad wire from the sensor to the ECM. At this point we are chasing ghosts
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 12:35 PM
  #10  
noahkim205's Avatar
noahkim205
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by aklim
He has an L98 according to another post. I still feel it would be best to look at the ECM and see if it is getting any data from the sensor. If not, we might have a bad wire from the sensor to the ECM. At this point we are chasing ghosts
Thank you for your help! I found out there is exhaust leak. I replaced the oxygen sensor but the light is still on. The leak is from the joint in the middle of the exhaust pipe. There is some rusty thing going on there and I suppose it's because there are cracks. I will take picture of that part soon.

Thank you so much.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 12:35 PM
  #11  
noahkim205's Avatar
noahkim205
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by aklim
OP. Please fill out your profile better so we know what year your car is and location. At this point, based on your 5 posts, you are an L98 which can be any year from 85 to 91. Your location is also very useful when we look at it since someone might be near you who has the tools or ability to come over and look at it in person.
Thank you for your suggestion. I did edit my profile. Hopefully someone helpful like you will near my location.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 12:37 PM
  #12  
noahkim205's Avatar
noahkim205
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by We Gone
What year, the LT1 has a bad habit of cracking the exhaust manifolds in the corners.


Mine is L98, 1989. I spotted some rusty things going on the joint part of the pipe(I don't know what it's called). I will take picture of that thing soon. Thank you
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 12:40 PM
  #13  
noahkim205's Avatar
noahkim205
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by 84Z51J
Exhaust moves in pulses, so O2 can make its way inside a rusted/cracked pipe in odd ways, but you're right that location is important & will make the scenario more or less likely. I'd fix the leak wherever it is (generally quick & easy, and the neighbors appreciate it), then chase the trouble code.
I smelled gasoline from the inside of the vehicle before I fixed another exhaust leak. I suppose there is some other exhaust leak from the joint part of the front (Unfortunately I don't know what it's called). I'm thinking of fixing that part with a soda can tonight.

I will take picture of the rusty part soon.

Thank you.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 12:42 PM
  #14  
noahkim205's Avatar
noahkim205
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by VikingTrad3r
what year, what side do you think the exhaust leak is coming from, and where in the exhaust do you think its leaking.
Mine is 1989 L89. I think it's from the front part of the joint that shows some rust and smoky spot but I don't know what the part is called. I will take some pictures today.

Thank you
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 12:44 PM
  #15  
noahkim205's Avatar
noahkim205
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by 84Z51J
Exhaust leak allows unmetered oxygen to tamper with the O2 sensor's readings. If it's bad enough, it will force the ECM to remain in open loop, set the idiot light, and run rich. That's likely where your MPGs went--fix the leak & see where you stand.

If you have a jack & stands you can probably repair it yourself. Find the breach, take pics & head to the parts store. There are several types of bandages & putties available for the purpose; some will be easier to use than others based on where the problem is. Should be back on the road in <30min for <$10, unless the damage/rust is severe, or a gasket has failed.
I found out the gas cap on the valve cover is broken. I already replaced it but the issues persist. There is definitely exhaust leak I will be taking a picture of that today.

Thank you for your help
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 01:08 PM
  #16  
VikingTrad3r's Avatar
VikingTrad3r
Oil Producer
Supporting Gold
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,375
Likes: 2,737
Default

Originally Posted by noahkim205
I found out the gas cap on the valve cover is broken. I already replaced it but the issues persist. There is definitely exhaust leak I will be taking a picture of that today.

Thank you for your help
sounds like u r making progress.

if you are under the car for any of this please please have multiple jack stands and blocks and redundancies.

i had a hole in the rear y pipe. this is what i did after sanding and grinding the hole back to fresh steel.

coated with jbweld, placed steel washer over hole, coated washer.
let sit for 24hrs. or u risk the exhaust pressure blowing through the jbweld. dont use the quickset.

been fine for a long time.

<br >

Last edited by VikingTrad3r; Jun 6, 2016 at 01:09 PM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C4 Exhaust Leak





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:38 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE