Could this be an exhaust manifold leak??

[LEOMAC23]

I have a 97 firebird with 60000mi on it and when under load accelerating it makes a ticking/rattling noise,i though it was pinging but after high octane gas and boost its still there, could this be the exhaust manifold or gasket leak???

[J.T.]

Re: Could this be an exhaust manifold leak??

Have you checked your oil? If it is very low it can sometimes cause a clicking noise.

[Nachius]

Re: Could this be an exhaust manifold leak??

Does the noise frequency increase as RPMs increase? This could very well be an exhaust leak, but could also be a number of other things such as lifter noise. You can check with a tube to ear test where you place a tube near the sound until you have it narrowed down to location!

[LEOMAC23]

Re: Could this be an exhaust manifold leak??

yah but it only does it under load so i cant hear it when idle, doesnt lifter noise usually go away under load? i do have a noisy lifter that ican hear at idle butthis noise is different,its almost like the noise a hot pieceof ti would make when cooling down except loader volume, like a crackling noise,any help would be great!

[loser]

Re: Could this be an exhaust manifold leak??

you can use a funnel or a tube to locate the noise, put it up to your ear and poke around by the manifolds/y-pipe.

if the motor is COLD you can use your hand to feel for it, i did this multiple times before on my car and other.

if you cant find it, you can try turning on the A/C on MAX and try again.

edit: that last description, do you have a loose heat shield? i had to remove mine from the "I" pipe and now the one above my cat is rattling. its a common issue.

[Firehawk N Wv]

Re: Could this be an exhaust manifold leak??

If you have an exahsut manifold leak or any kind of exahsut leak for that matter u will see black stuff on the area around the where it is leaking. If you cant tell that is what it is leaking by sound take you a light and shine down around both exahsut manifolds to see if you see any black crap aroud it. Ull know wut Im talkin about if you see it and it will rub off onto your fingers if u touch it. If ur still not sure have somone get in ur car and push ur throttle or vice vrsa and go listen for sounds.

[loser]

Re: Could this be an exhaust manifold leak??

If you have an exahsut manifold leak or any kind of exahsut leak for that matter u will see black stuff on the area around the where it is leaking. If you cant tell that is what it is leaking by sound take you a light and shine down around both exahsut manifolds to see if you see any black crap aroud it. Ull know wut Im talkin about if you see it and it will rub off onto your fingers if u touch it. If ur still not sure have somone get in ur car and push ur throttle or vice vrsa and go listen for sounds.

yep, putting the A/C on max usaully rises the idle anough to help, if your on your own.

[LEOMAC23]

Re: Could this be an exhaust manifold leak??

yeah but i cant hear it when its idle in park, even if reved while im listening, it has to be under load, like coming up a hill, or coasting then hitting the gas,it makes a metalic like rattle for a sec or two then stops.it sounds like its rite in front of me in the engine bay.i looked for soot but cant find any, where do they usually crack at?. it is very rusted tho.