Exhaust Leak?

[x-hobo]

Hi guys,

Got some issues with my S2 R33 GTST, done a bit of a search and I'm thinking maybe an exhaust leak (as per this thread http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/in...amp;hl=ticking).

I actually think I might have a couple of problems, but these are the symptoms. Firstly, not sure if this is related, but since I've had the car (about 6 weeks, but due to a broken window only on the road around 1.5 weeks of that) I've been having shuddering and misses at WOT; however, throttle of say .75 pulls pretty smoothly up to redline (maybe a slight hesitation sometimes). I was thinking this was probably more of a tune thing (running a Wolf3D ecu) or maybe sparks/coils.

Anyway, the other night I noticed a slight ticking coming from the right hand side of the engine bay (right hand side from driver's point of view, so left hand side if looking into bonnet), but I didn't think too much of it. The next morning I drove the car into my local Nissan service place to get them to put in my new window, and on the drive over there didn't notice anything amiss, though I doubt I hit boost and it was a short drive.

When I picked up the car that evening, as soon as I got into the car I knew something was wrong. The exhaust note was different (normally very quiet but now had a strong bass element) and on idle the car would vibrate strongly. When driving home, the car's boost wouldn't hold steady most of the time, and one time I even hit redline in first without building any boost at all. Strangely though it would occasionally boost fine, and when it did I think the exhaust note went back to normal.

Next day when I jumped in and started the car the ticking was now very loud and quite fast, both at idle and under load. The exhaust now "pulses", and has a very strong petrol smell. I haven't driven it since. My first impression that it was actually a mechanical sound (i.e. something clipping something else), my mate thought maybe electrical, but after searching it sounds like maybe it's a blown exhaust gasket.

Anyway, two questions. Firstly, does this sound about right for an exhaust gasket? Secondly, would it be safe to drive my car to a mechanic/exhaust place (off boost, obviously), or am I looking at towing? Not feeling up to attempting to DIY at this point. I'd really appreciate any input, cheers.

[Abo Bob]

That sounds just like an exhaust leak pre turbo, so either head to exhaust manifold or manifold to turbo gasket. No harm in driving it to get it fixed.

[x-hobo]

That sounds just like an exhaust leak pre turbo, so either head to exhaust manifold or manifold to turbo gasket. No harm in driving it to get it fixed.

Good to hear, thanks for that. Should any workshop be able to fix it up for me off the bat or am I going to need to source original Nissan parts myself? Any ballpark figure on labour? Cheers.

[r33_racer]

any mechanic should be able to do it..heaps of aftermarket gaskets around...alot of people make their own. I think nissan ones are like 30 bux or thereabouts. Being generous 2hrs to change the gasket. never been to a performance workshop before but guess on $/phr would be around $70...so maybe $140 all up not including parts. Thats a complete guess outta my ass...wonder how close i am? Anyone?

[Adriano]

The exhaust manifold is on the other side of the engine bay to the side described

[r33_racer]

Its a trick question right?

hes actually driving a toyota

Edited July 25, 2006 by r33_racer