Michael Benno

I am getting visible smoke from the joint between the S4 header flange and the flange to the X-pipe. The smoke seems like something more that exhaust gas, or maybe it is exhaust gas, i can't really tell. It definitively smells like there is more than exhaust gas. However the smoke is gently emanating from the area, not being forced as you might expect if the gasket was old and leaking. I put my hand up in there and couldn't feel any puffs of gas.

I used a new gasket between the two flanges. Is this smoke part of the normal break in of the gasket or does it sound like I have a improper/misaligned seal? I don't remember needing to force any of the connections.

M. Requin

Try retightening the fasteners, things have probably settled in a bit. I had to do that several times on my x-pipe before it sealed up properly.

928NOOBIE

I would drive it a bit...I had a new exhaust done this year including headers and stuff had to burn off ....if you aren't hearing an exhaust leak then perhaps its just "seasoning" a bit and that will stop.

You mentioned the smoke was drifting out slowly and not being pushed out say from the engine...I think that supports my theory.

Soul Performance

Sometimes it helps to coat the gaskets in a copper gasket sealant and check the torque after about 50 miles as well. More often than not the copper gasket sealant will do the trick!

Michael Benno

Thanks for the insight guys. It was just residue (oil, grease, anti seize, etc) burning off. I let it run for a while in the garage, fire extinguisher in hand, and the smoke eventually stopped. Everything looks good now. Thanks again for the suggestions everyone. It's nice to know I can always get answers to even some of the simpler and more obvious questions.

The car is still up in the air. The X=pipe install was part of a motor mount project which turned into a power steering hose project, which is now evolving into a shock replacement project!!!!

beran earms

Ahhhh, the domino effect. Figured it just needed to burn off. Be sure to keep us posted on your experience, I'm anxious for an X myself, maybe a vid w/ sound next time