Exhaust leak?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Halle / Germany
Exhaust leak?
Hello,
I guess I do have a slightly problem with my exhaust system on my 2002 Corvette C5. It is stock beside a Magnaflow x-pipe and mufflers (on the car for 3 years).
Today I was stuck in traffic and as soon as the car was standing still for about 1 min, one could clearly smell exhaust gas in the interior (roof and windows closed).
After coming home, I opened the hood. I could not smell anything abnormal on the passenger side. However, on the driver side, I could clearly identify exhaust gas!
During the summertime, when cruising around with the top off, I do remember noticing a strange exhaust sound from the left side, when the sound was reflected by a building or something like that.
Questions:
1. Any known problems on the C5-exhaust system?
2. How to check for leaks?
3. Any advise?
Unfortunately I am living in Germany, and we don’t have that many Corvette-Dealers here…
Thank's in advance,
Johannes
I guess I do have a slightly problem with my exhaust system on my 2002 Corvette C5. It is stock beside a Magnaflow x-pipe and mufflers (on the car for 3 years).
Today I was stuck in traffic and as soon as the car was standing still for about 1 min, one could clearly smell exhaust gas in the interior (roof and windows closed).
After coming home, I opened the hood. I could not smell anything abnormal on the passenger side. However, on the driver side, I could clearly identify exhaust gas!
During the summertime, when cruising around with the top off, I do remember noticing a strange exhaust sound from the left side, when the sound was reflected by a building or something like that.
Questions:
1. Any known problems on the C5-exhaust system?
2. How to check for leaks?
3. Any advise?
Unfortunately I am living in Germany, and we don’t have that many Corvette-Dealers here…
Thank's in advance,
Johannes
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Most likely, you find will the exhaust gas leaking from a slip joint or flange connection on your aftermarket system. The only factory C5 exhaust problem, that comes to mind, are poor welds at the flange connections, that sometimes break. Gaskets are used at the flange connections also. The flange bolts may need to be tightened, or the gasket replaced.
With the engine running, listening for sound around each joint, with a mechanic's stethoscope, may help in finding the exhaust leak.
Good Luck,
QSV
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
Hi Johannes,
Most likely, you find will the exhaust gas leaking from a slip joint or flange connection on your aftermarket system. The only factory C5 exhaust problem, that comes to mind, are poor welds at the flange connections, that sometimes break. Gaskets are used at the flange connections also. The flange bolts may need to be tightened, or the gasket replaced.
With the engine running, listening for sound around each joint, with a mechanic's stethoscope, may help in finding the exhaust leak.
Good Luck,
QSV
Most likely, you find will the exhaust gas leaking from a slip joint or flange connection on your aftermarket system. The only factory C5 exhaust problem, that comes to mind, are poor welds at the flange connections, that sometimes break. Gaskets are used at the flange connections also. The flange bolts may need to be tightened, or the gasket replaced.
With the engine running, listening for sound around each joint, with a mechanic's stethoscope, may help in finding the exhaust leak.
Good Luck,
QSV
It would really be helpful if you could get your car on a lift, and with the engine running, and a buddy in the car, who could rev the engine a little, you should be able to locate the leak while under the car, especially if you are using the mechanic's stethoscope as suggested. Good Luck!
