Exhaust Leak?

[sheldon98]

I have been reading the various threads on this forum and based on what I read and the symptoms my '98 XLT is showing, it sounds like I MAY have an exhaust leak. How can I tell if I do besides seeing an obvious big hole in the manifold? Would an exhaust leak explain my sluggish performance (not a lot of low end torque - feels like I'm driving through mud when I accelerate) or could there be other problems? I have cleaned the MAF, no O2 codes, new plugs and wires, K&N Filter, new fuel filter. Any help or advice is appreciated!!

 

[Turdle]

I am assuming you have a v-8 engine?
To test for a leak, try simply covering the tailpipe while engine is running ( with cold exhaust of course,) you should hear a ticking noise get louder with a leak.
on v-8 it usually leaks on passenger side first, listen in the wheelwell area

 

[exploded99]

You may be due for a real fuel injector cleaning.

The big Beemer and Mercedes guys really like BG44K - expensive at 24 bucks a can, but I have used it and it worked very well. Throttle response picked up quite a bit. NAPA carries it here.

Or take it to a good shop and get the real cleaning done.

Also run a can of seafoam thru the intake and decarbonize the engine. Do it at nite tho, it smokes like you know what.