Exhaust Leakage: Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire, 2003 Pontiac Grand Am, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

EXHAUST LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS

Possible Cause

Check/Repair

Misaligned Or Improperly Installed Exhaust System Components

⁽¹⁾ Align & Tighten Components To Specification

Exhaust Leaks At Exhaust Manifold-To-Pipe, Flanges Or Pipe Clamps

⁽¹⁾ Tighten Components To Specification

Seals Or Gaskets Leaking At Exhaust Manifold-To-Cylinder Head, Exhaust Pipes-To-Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter Connection Or EGR Connections

Replace Leaking Seal Or Gasket

Irregularities At The Mating Surfaces On The Flange Connections

Repair Or Replace Affected Component As Required

Exhaust Manifold Cracked Or Broken

⁽²⁾ Replace Exhaust Manifold

Exhaust System Component Connection Welds Leaking

Replace Leaking Component

Muffler, Resonator (if equipped) Or Pipe Damaged, Or Leaking At The Seams

Replace Affected Muffler, Resonator Or Pipe

⁽¹⁾	Go to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS in appropriate REMOVAL & INSTALLATION article.

⁽²⁾	Go to appropriate article in ENGINES.