How do i find an exhaust leak? Is there an easy way to install S1 Vn extractors?

[social]

Hey guys,
Got a problem with the vn (series 1) and cant seem to figure out where the exhaust gas is coming from, i am assuming its where the headers meet the block but cant seem to find the actual leak itself unfortunately. Is there a sneaky way to find it? Have a set of extractors to possibly go on to replace the headers only problem is the series 1 vn's are the biggest head F*** when it comes to removing and replacing, any tips on that also?
Cheers,
Social.

[glenn l]

you can have some one block the end of the exhaust with there hand whilst useing a rag (gets pretty hot) and having a listen.

[Fun_Bucket]

Get your hands on a stethescope, otherwise a bit of hose held to your ear works aswell. Work you way around your bound to find the leak.


After fitting my new headers i went around and evenly applied some exhaust cement around any gaskets. I was advised that if there was any leaks, that the sealant would turn black fairly quick.

[Pub247]

A combition of the above posts work well have someone block the exhaust and use a piece a hose to listen for a leak.
I havent fitted extractors to a S! before but i'm sure its very difficult especially on the drivers side getting to those exhaust bolts wont be easy

[Cheap6]

The old trick was to pour or spray a very small quantity of brake fluid into the inlet manifold with engine running. The resulting smoke makes any leak easier to spot. It will work in conjunction with any of the other methods above.

Do not add very much brake fluid as you can hydraulic lock the engine. Using a cheap trigger sprayer will be safe.

[Brett_jjj]

The old trick was to pour or spray a very small quantity of brake fluid into the inlet manifold with engine running. The resulting smoke makes any leak easier to spot. It will work in conjunction with any of the other methods above.

Do not add very much brake fluid as you can hydraulic lock the engine. Using a cheap trigger sprayer will be safe.

Can doing this stuff the oxygen sensors at all?I know some silicone products can stuff them.

[social]

yea i dont think il be pouring any brake fluid into the engine thanks mate.

[VT-565]

Apparently the manifolds on the S1 were prone to cracking?

Fit those extractors.

All of the aforementioned ideas seem a little quirky lol

[social]

Il be contacting an exhaust company to install them for me, hopefully not too expensive.. Tried myself and got very frustrated very quickly. Got the gasket for the block to make sure no leaks, unsure if it has one on atm either, and really cbf putting one on if it doesnt or i might aswell do it all myself anyways.

Besides there up for sale anyways, pending if they sell or not il use them.

[fossburger]

there'll be black soot around the leak... very easy to spot