Octane booster made no difference.

But.. the leaf blower and soapy water trick showed big exhaust leak where the header meets the y pipe on the drivers side.

started the car and I can hear a ticking in that area.

not sure whether to pull the joint apart and put it back together better or just drop the $$ on a new Y pipe and cats etc.

 

Try pulling it apart and tightening it up. Mine has a leak in the same spot, and pulling it apart, re-aligning everything, and replacing the gasket solved the leak.

 

Would you explain this procedure? I have a similar issue and it may be the passenger side exhaust connections.

Thank you.

 

In a spray bottle mix up a solution of soapy water. Next, stick the blower/outlet side of a shop vac into your tailpipe (I used some duct tape to hold it/seal it) and turn it on. Spray the solution at your exhaust system, the pressure from the shop vac will cause bubbles to form at the location of any leaks.

 

Anyone that mentioned exhaust gaskets, ding ding ding. Winner.

Leaf blower up the back and soapy water pointed me to the 2x Y pipe gaskets.

Could almost hear the ticking when I was closer to the leaks.

I looked at the bolts and instantly decided to put it in a shop. Not tackling that.

2 weeks later and 2 shops later, I get the car back. Astonishing amount of labor to drill out rusted bolt stubs. One option was to remove manifolds, I opted against that. Had to take it off one shop who’s competence I didnt trust.

Anyway, first drive and my tick/knock/noise has gone.

Of course now that’s gone I can hear something else. Haha.