What is the best way to check for exhaust leaks, the ones around the joints/bolts in particular? Any tips, tricks, etc.?

 

I saw a muffler guy cover up the exhaust pipe with his bare hands to look for leaks. Of course.. you may want to use something other than your bare hands. =P

 

Did you also see this guy's hands? Be careful.

Two other things you can do,
1. with the car running, get your ear within a couple feet from the exhaust line. You should hear a tick-tick or a puff-puff depending on how far the leak is from the manifold.
2. examine the line visually, look for black spots or streaks. This is residue from the exhaust seeping out of the hole. You may need a mirror and a light to see the top side of the piping though.

D

 

The guy wasn't even phased! I'm sure his hand is one big callus though. No glove. He must have had his hand on top of the hole for a good 30 seconds. Definitely long enough to burn normal people.

ZuM

 

Thanks. I am in FL and don't expect it to be rusted or anything - I'm suspecting a tiny tiny leak where the y-pipe meets the exhaust manifold. Perhaps one of the bolts is broken or loose or something...

 

In that case. Use a small plastic tube like fishtank air hose and put one end to your ear and the other end to the area you think may be leaking.