Checking exhaust system for leaks
yea I did see someone on the internet that stuck a rag in the pipe. Also rather not feel around on the pipes and get burned.
I do have a smoke machine, how would I make that work? And wouldnt the smoke machine residue gum up the valves?
I don't think it should be any issue at all, especially if you fired it up right after.
If smoke machines caused problems people wouldn't use them.
The rag in the pipe would cause a lot of backpressure as well as muffling the engine so you could hear.
Small leaks will produce a loud hiss as the back pressure builds, but big leaks you still have to locate via sound and feel.
(And I never said "feel the pipes"), but feel close to them for pulses of exhaust because you can feel it a lot better than you can hear or see it.
It's not a big deal if you don't go sticking your hands all over header tubes and stuff. LOL
Del mentioned a tube to pinpoint sounds, and that works really well for tight places like around header flanges. and collector gaskets.
I could find any leak in my entire exhaust system in under 2 minutes I guarantee you, but you also might hear a "OUCH ****" once or twice. :D
It's worth it.