North American Turbocoupe Organization



Chasing exhaust leaks
John B Offline
Member
#1
So I have a pretty bad exhaust leak but I'm still trying to figure out where it's coming from. I seafoamed the car the other day to see and there's definitely a leak but it's on the underside of the turbine / downpipe area. I can't tell if it's the turbo to manifold gasket, turbo to downpipe mating surface or downpipe slip joint.

I plan on taking it all apart this weekend but has anyone had serious issues with the turbo to downpipe mating surfaces or the downpipe slip joint leaking? Just trying to get some ideas before I dig into it. Thanks!
88 Turbo Coupe: Front mount intercooler, MGW short throw shifter, full coilover conversion, tubular control arms front and rear, svo front brakes, vacuum assist brake swap, manual steering swap, GT35R turbo with external gate, pimpx ecu, 60lb injectors, 3 core aluminum radiator, Boport 1.5 cam, gutted upper, corbeau fixed back seats, and the list goes on.
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#2
Start spraying all the fasteners with penetrating oil now. I've had problems with each of those at one time or another. Assuming the surfaces are flat then it becomes an issue of alignment and proper torquing that has solved most of the issues I have had.
Pete Dunham


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John B Offline
Member
#3
Pete D Wrote:Start spraying all the fasteners with penetrating oil now. I've had problems with each of those at one time or another. Assuming the surfaces are flat then it becomes an issue of alignment and proper torquing that has solved most of the issues I have had.

Thanks Pete; what if I take everything apart and the surfaces are warped? I rather not spend the money on getting them machined. I only need this set-up to last until the winter before I go with a gnari manifold and different turbo
88 Turbo Coupe: Front mount intercooler, MGW short throw shifter, full coilover conversion, tubular control arms front and rear, svo front brakes, vacuum assist brake swap, manual steering swap, GT35R turbo with external gate, pimpx ecu, 60lb injectors, 3 core aluminum radiator, Boport 1.5 cam, gutted upper, corbeau fixed back seats, and the list goes on.
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#4
I'd look for used parts if something isn't flat. Especially if it involves removing studs in order to machine. Studs can break on old exhaust parts and it costs extra to get those out.
Pete Dunham


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Jeff K Offline
Administrator
#5
The turbo to manifold gasket is common leak point. My experience is they like to blow on the bottom.

Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 24 psi, forced air IC, water injection, BPV, Ranger cam, subframes, etc., etc.
86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP N2O, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.
11 Crown Vic Interceptor
14 Toyota Camry (wifes car)
95 Taurus GL Vulcan winter beater
67 Honda 450 Super Sport - completely customized
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Cliff.C Offline
Member
#6
Crap.....I have an exhaust leak and just figured it was manifold to head. I have the gasket, just haven't got to it yet. Guess I should have pulled the intercooler first to find my problem.
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#7
Cliff, turbo 2.3 did not come with a manifold to head gasket. They don't hold up. If the issue is manifold flatness, either get it milled or replace it for a lasting fix.
Pete Dunham


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Cliff.C Offline
Member
#8
Ok, thanks Pete...Why do they bother selling the part if its a no go?
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#9
The gasket maker's kit includes all gaskets needed for both NA's and turbos.
Pete Dunham


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