New to the forum - I recently picked up a used and abused 97 Discovery SD7...gradually sorting through it's many issues...

But,

It has what sounds exactly like an exhaust leak on the passenger side of the engine compartment....I've searched and searched and can't locate the leak...it sounds as though it is between the manifold and catalytic converter ....but no signs in the area...

Am I missing something? Does anyone know of anything that might mimic an exhaust leak sound?

Ideas?

Sure appreciate it...

Thanks in advance,
Dan

 

[QUOTE=Stavel Hilston;262349]Since you can't tell us where the leak is coming from I would be happy to charge you a reasonable 400-500 dollars to replace everything including the catalytic converter.

You and probably most mechanics, and dealers...

Just curious if anyone might have a suggestion as to what else may cause a similar sound in the area....sometimes I think I'm chasing a ghost.

Dan

 

Others have suggested the y pipe connection. Might be a good time for a stethoscope (auto parts store) or the old wood stick (broom handle) held to the ear and pressed against suspect areas of the engine.

 

1997 had some weird recall for the exhaust manifolds breaking. talk to the dealer, you might get it replaced for free.

 

Thanks All...

I've tried the stick, tube, and pipe tricks....and couldn't pinpoint the noise, it is not internal, just the pfft...pfft...pfft...sound of an exhaust leak...

Thanks for the info on the Manifold recall, I'll look into it and check them again - no local dealer, and it'll be awhile before I trust this rover to travel any distance.

Another question - Would the area of the leak be hotter or cooler than surrounding areas - thought about using an ir pinpoint thermometer to look for temperature variances - feasible?

Thanks again,
Dan

 

Take it to a muffler shop and have them find it, they are pretty good at that.

 

The exhaust manifolds are known to crack, a muffler shop can weld it shut for you if thats what it is.

 

DanK - thanks for the idea! I have a known exhaust leak, where my exhaust manifold joins the exhaust pipe. Got out the IR, cranked truck up cold, and that puff puff puff spot was putting out hot air. It read like 450 degrees, but the surrounding pipes were still much colder. So an IR stat might help - but you would need to move quickly when engine is cold to get greatest differential in temperature.