How can you know for sure if you have an exhaust leak? Any suggestions on how and what to check?

 

What makes you think you have one? Did the sound change, lose power? Take off the heat shields and inspect the entire system. The gaskets would be the first place I would check and any place there is a weld, like a stepped header or mounting brackets. But check the entire system cause I've seen pipes crack straight down the side.

 

Smoke from a stick of incense works great.

 

I just all of a sudden starting hear this noise like alot of air. I took a piece of paper, folded it up, & put it where the pipes go into the engine. Then I revved it up. The paper did not move one bit on either head. Just a weird noise. I thought it was from the new engine guard I put on but I can hear it when it's sitting still. Any suggestions?

 

Loose shield maybe? Let it cool down and check all the way around the engine and exhaust looking for something that vibrates when you tap it. Is it a constant noise, or a pfft,pfft,pfft sound? If you do have a leak the smoke will show it a lot faster than a piece of folded up paper. Also check the junction between your header pipes and the muffler cans.

 

I will check out all of that tomorrow. Thanks man.

 

Take a shop rag and hold it over the end of the mufflers and see if you can catch any leaks with the incense stick.

 

Ratbob hit the nail on the head. I tightened up the clamps on the heat shields and the sound went away. Thanks guys.

 

noises SUCK - glad you found it!

 

You'll hear a more pronounced "tikking" sound at speed and if you put your hand over the end of the exhaust at idle you'll be able to feel a slight "inward" sucking sensation.