Exhaust Leak Myth or Legend

[cferry7]

1989 Toyota Pickup 2.4 L , 4WD

Could someone answer a simple question ?

Can a large or small Exhaust System Leak lead to extra Exhaust Valve stress and wear and tear ? Just generally ?
Is this dependent on any other criteria ???

Thanks for any help.

 

[cferry7]

Reply 1

From a recent discussion on this topic with a Expert Engine Rebuild Mechanic. This is a Myth.

 

[willyt4r]

Reply 2

The location of the exhaust leak can be detrimental to the head gasket. Air through the exhaust manifold at the head itself will burn through the head gasket.

 

[Hyde802]

Depends on who you talk to. Haha. I think that it can cause damage in the right engine, leak hole, size etc, "perfect storm" kinda scenario. But in most cases, youll probably be fine to run it.

Will your specific scenario cause damage? Dont know, and thats the risk your taking.

 

[Infamous82]

The only problems that I have heard of is a leaking manifold/header could potentially burn a valve, but not sure the truth to it though did come from 2 master techs. I could see excessive engine bay temps being a problem and possible head gasket deterioration if it's in the right areas. If the leak was on the exhaust say cat-back there should be no probs at all concerning valvetrain

 

[cferry7]

Exhaust leak

Thank you for the inputs . . .

This vehicle only sees about 400 miles
on the road , at most --- main use is as a
Farm vehicle use around the property.

The Exhaust Pipe Crack ( Quite Loud ) is
approximately 5 inches before the CAT and
8- 10 inches from Exhaust Manifold, give or take. I hope that it will be repaired before
this coming Autumn.

Thank you

cferry7

 

[tbones1369]

When in doubt fix it. Then you won't kick yourself in the ass down the road.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

I've seen a temporary fix for this. Take a tin can like the size of Hunts spaghetti sauce, open both ends then split it lengthwise. Wrap it around that section and secure with a couple hose clamps. It works. How do I know? I once bought an old Mustang and when I went to put headers and a bigger exhaust system on it, there it was. I called the PO to ask him about it and at first he didn't remember. Then as I was about to hang up he says, oh yeah I remember! Did that about 10 years ago! :faint2:

 

[nevada]

definitely a good idea to get it repaired. that said, that will in no way damage the engine.

 

[KidVermicious]

^ I've used that fix, worked great. If you want something a little more permanent, some muffler tape would hold that leak until you can get around to replacing the pipe.

 

[Hyde802]

Oh yeah. Weve all hacked a muffler back together before. Haha. Soup can, some muffler paste and a couple hose clamps!