I just installed my downpipe and when i start the car it seems a little bit too much louder. Also there seems to be steam (maybe smoke) coming from the top end of the downpipe. I am thinking its an exhaust leak, anyone have any input?

 

What does it smell like? Is there any paint on your DP?

 

I have to pettit ss downpipe so i dont believe there is any paint on it. My girlfriend says it smells like exhaust mixed with something, whatever that means.

 

If it smells sweet it is one of your coolant lines on the turbos(or around the turbo area, Firewall Etc..)

 

It maybe any type of tape/solution (from shipping) that was on it when you installed it, but if there is an exhaust leak, you will definately know. If it seems loud in the engine compartment, there is a leak there.

 

Did u remember to use new gaskets. Anyways, what color is the smoke? If it is:
1. Blue - You are burnin' oil. This is just bad.
2. Bright White - Your burnin' coolant . Which could mean an early death to your motor.
3. Off White - Normal and u forgot to use gaskets.
3. Black Smoke - Your runnin' too rich of a mixture, which could lead to many bad things.

Good Luck with everything.

 

It's probably just rich.

Check the torque levels on the DP studs and make sure you torqued them to the correct levels. Same on the cat. flange.

You DID use new gaskets right?

 

It's probably just rich.

Check the torque levels on the DP studs and make sure you torqued them to the correct levels. Same on the cat. flange.

You DID use new gaskets right?

 

I have the same problem as well, would a blown gasket cause a REALLY bad exhaust leak?

 

Sorry about that.

 

Yes a blown gasket would most definitely cause a bad exhaust leak. I've had one myself.

 

The downpipe was bought from rx7store.net and came with no hardware or gaskets, so no I did not use new gaskets.

 

The gasket had no tears or holes in it, so I figured it was ok to use again.

 

could it be just oil? i get oil all the time when i install headers or downpipe and it gets all smoked up because theres oil on the piping ..itll cause it to smoke.. but yah if its loud around that area, its the gasket. (properlyed (sp) tightened)

 

Its startin' to look like ill be buying the new gasket, I know they are bout 45 bucks, but anyone know where to get it cheapest. Thanks.

 

napa carries good quality products

 

I remember when I forgot to put in the gasket it rattle and rumble really loud.

After bought new gasket and slaps some gasket sealant on it, it ran like a dream.

 

I don't know if this will help you or not, but the first couple times I started my car after installing my M2 Downpipe, it smoked quite a bit. This was from things like all the PB blaster burning off, and the "junk" inside the new downpipe burning off and stuff. After I had started it a couple times and let it run for a little while, the smoke went away.

However, my car isn't too much louder than it was, at least not in the DP area. I used new gaskets on both ends though. Some say to replace both, and some say just to replace the DP to cat gasket if the turbo manifold one is in good shape.

You might have to replace them if your problems don't go away. Nothing like a brand new gasket to secure a snug fit!

Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

Originally posted by DrunkenBowler
Did u remember to use new gaskets.
You do not need to buy new exhauast gaskets. Just wire-brush them (to improve electrical conductivity) and re-use them. Save yourself about $50 per gasket. see picture





Originally posted by Fatman0203
would a blown gasket cause a REALLY bad exhaust leak?
You cannot blow a stainless steel DP gasket. If you don't torque the DP nuts enough, then it might leak.

 

What would electrical conductivity have to do with it not leaking?

 

Would an exhaust leak affect your throttle response?? Especially at low rpm? Maybe cause of no backpressure?

 

Originally posted by Initial FD
What would electrical conductivity have to do with it not leaking? Nothing. The electrical conductivity is needed for your O2 sensor to work properly.




Originally posted by Fatman0203
Would an exhaust leak affect your throttle response?? Especially at low rpm? Maybe cause of no backpressure?
I doubt it. It would probably need to be a really big leak.

 

But if it was leaking i would have figured it was due to it not being sealed and not having anything to do with the 02 sensor (not saying i know, just what i thought)

 

Correct. I was talking about the electrical signal the O2 sensor sends to the ECU, not leaking exhaust.