951Porschiste

How do you track down exhaust leaks?

When is it better to repair (Soldering)?

When is it best to replace?

If you do replace, what kind of costs might one be looking at?

RPG951S

Depends on where the leak is.

Typically 951's leak at the exhaust headers or crossover pipes, or some of the smaller pieces (wastegate tie-in, for example).
For the header, the best (in IMHO) is to repair. Aftermarket headers are by and large too expensive, don't fit right, and probably not suitable for stock turbo'd cars. The rest depends if your intending to mod the car at all.

Pretty rare to have a leak in the main part of the exhaust (down-pipe back) unless your original system has been mangaled a little bit. (It's all Stainless Steel)
Can you tell if it's coming from up front,middle, or rear?

951Porschiste

That's the thing. How do I find out where it's coming from?

The car will sometime stumble upon deceleration and I've been told that was due to exhaust leaks. But I would like to be able to pinpoint where the leaks are, but I just don't know how to go about doing that.

RPG951S

Easiest Way:
Get it up on a lift with the car running (having a helper revving a bit will be useful). Use your ear, a mechanics stethoscope or just 'feel' for exhaust pulses. If it's an obvious leak, you'll hear it/feel it.

Unfortunately, some times the leak may require a 'load' on the engine.(something just revving in neutral can't simulate)

GWTurboS

951Porschiste:

Another way to spot an exhaust leak is to look for a spot on the exhaust where there are black carbon deposits built up. It takes some time for this to occur, but it usually will lead you right to the leak.

Best Regards
Greg W.

951Porschiste

Raagi and Greg W.-

Thanks for the advice.

toddk911

You can pressurize the system through the tail pipe. Leaf blower. Then get under the car and feel for leaks.

MegaMouse

I thought it was a grand idea, this leaf blower idea. Unfortunately, you run the risk of debris inside the cylinders

The safest (for the engine) would just be to feel around (not touching lol) for puffs of air, or look for carbon build-up. If nothing, get out the old spray bottle w/ soapy water idea

JDS968

That's not a problem at all. Just pull the handbrake a few clicks until you get enough load.

Ask me how I know...

alxdgr8

Find someone nearby with a smoke machine...they work wonders for intake and exhaust leaks. Or you can make your own pretty easily.