Just like the subject line says. What is the easiest way to find any leaks in the manifolds while they are still attached? I hear what sounds like an exhaust leak through the front exhaust manifold (one closest to the rear window).

Use a hose placed in the ear just like a stethoscope and place at each exhaust manifold exit,till you locate loudest , to pinpoint leak,when cold,have another person start car while you move your finger around manifold,not so easy on firewall side cylinders,once warm use piece of paper ,cut to size,, as you move the paper around manifold the leak will move the paper when it hits the paper, alarge leak will move heavy paper,, the best way is to get a wide assortment of socketss wrenches,,flex adapters,offset wrenches and check for loose bolts that can be tighten,if loose bolts and you can tighten you must live a very righteous life,because you are blessed..be gentle when you check for loose bolt .. if bolt will not turn it is almost impossible to get pb blaster into threads..I have worked the bolt back forth with the socket and loosen one it is worth the effort to try because a real pain when one breaks,, there is no room to tap these bolts to help loosen.do not break bolts off untill you are at a place that pulling the head is an option while you are under there check all bolts..when i find bolt that will come out,I pull it out clean hole and install new bolt do not force any bolt on the exhaust that does not leak this is a fiero problem area.if wrench is at perfect 90o angle your chance of success is much greater.. search this subject there are some tutorials on this subject on this forum

If you think there's a leak there probubley is.One way is, to use a small mirror from the top of the car, or crawl under from the bottom and use a flash light.You probubley wouldn't see a blown gasket.Look for cracks in the exhaust manifold.

Another sign of a leak when making a visual check, is a carbon track from a leaking exhaust port. Any exhaust port on the head that had a loose bolt or two may have a black carbon track from the leak.

I just hear louder noise from the valve train under load conditions, like going up a hill or down shifting. The gaskets are fairly new, and the exhaust manifold were ported. Thanks for the tips, i'll check it out..

Easiest way for me is have the engine cold, start her up and feel for the air coming out on your manifold before it gets too hot to feel, usually at the gaskets..

[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 10-18-2007).]