jessicabritt07
1/2 ton status
Soo, I have an 81 K5 and I believe I have an exhaust leak somewhere and it kinda sounds like its up closer to the engine but I am not sure where. And once I find it how do I fix it? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
CK5
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Helpp exhaust leak
- Thread starter jessicabritt07
- Start date
probably a manifold or donut gasket. Both are very common. Manifolds probably more so. Inspect closely and I bet you find a crack. Also look for carbon where exhaust has blown out.
jessicabritt07
1/2 ton status
Ok. I will take a look at it in the morning. If I do find a crack in the manifold, I need to replace it? Is that hard? Sorry... I have not really worked on trucks but I would like to do these things myself. Thanks for the help 
Yes you'll have to replace it. Or you can go ahead and throw headers on it. 
It could also be a manifold gasket, pinhole in the exhaust, etc. But likely a manifold. If you do have to replace it, soak all the bolts in rust penetrant (like every day for a week) before you try to remove them.
It could also be a manifold gasket, pinhole in the exhaust, etc. But likely a manifold. If you do have to replace it, soak all the bolts in rust penetrant (like every day for a week) before you try to remove them.
jessicabritt07
1/2 ton status
Headers? I don't think I could do that lol. I will check out the manifold tomorrow. Thanks for your help
wage92
1/2 ton status
i also agree, manifolds most likely, i cant tell you have many broken manifold studs ive found on chevy trucks.
Headers arent that hard, depending on what kind you get. Thing is you have to install them right or they will leak too, however they are less prone to cracking and also free up some hp in the process...food for thought
Headers arent that hard, depending on what kind you get. Thing is you have to install them right or they will leak too, however they are less prone to cracking and also free up some hp in the process...food for thought
xenomarine
1/2 ton status
You can get headers installed and true duals or a single exhaust installed for under $500 out the door, and definitely less if you shop around. My headers were under 200, and I could have gotten the exhaust installed with supplied tubing for way under 200. If you go used, you can find full exhaust systems on craigslist for a couple hundred.
jessicabritt07
1/2 ton status
I would like to try to do it myself if possible.. If its not something super advanced. I can swap stuff out okay.
All it take is some wrenches, some cursing, possible bloody knuckles and a beer or two
jessicabritt07
1/2 ton status
Will vodka work?
jessicabritt07
1/2 ton status
Hahaha. That's awesome, I need to come to your house!
jessicabritt07
1/2 ton status
Lol. At least there's alcohol
What that picture doesn't show is that the frame is welded with that guy's head in place. No way to get it out..........
Hey I'm "that guy"
And the bumper unbolts
So I'm just wearing it as a necklace now
While it's cold start it up and start snooping around(motor cold do u are less likely to burn yourself, carefull though stuff will get hot fast) look listen and u can feel for hot air blowing out. Just hold hand by it. Also a mirror can also help look for black sooty spots.
Changing all the stuff is easy but if the dought gasket there is a good chance that u will break the stud off. If u do and u don't have access to a torch u can prob get a muffler shop to get the stud out for you.
If it's the gasket between the head and manifold u can prob pry the manifold back and not mess with doughnut gasket/leave it bolted to exhaust so less worry Of snapping a stud.
Vodka is great to have when wrenching. You can use it to clean your busted knuckles
Changing all the stuff is easy but if the dought gasket there is a good chance that u will break the stud off. If u do and u don't have access to a torch u can prob get a muffler shop to get the stud out for you.
If it's the gasket between the head and manifold u can prob pry the manifold back and not mess with doughnut gasket/leave it bolted to exhaust so less worry Of snapping a stud.
Vodka is great to have when wrenching. You can use it to clean your busted knuckles
jessicabritt07
1/2 ton status
haha, thats what I was thinking. Vodka is good for cleaning out wounds. I havent had a chance to go snooping around under there too much cause I have been too busy with school and work. I'm hoping sometime this week I can get under there and look around.
