What’s that sound?

[nosole]

I just put my engine back together and now I’m getting this sound. I don’t want to make any guesses and diagnose incorrectly. All I’ll say for now is that it can’t really be heard at idle, but is obvious when you step on the throttle.

I can provide more info, but wanted to get some unbiased opinions based solely on the sound before unintentionally steering the conversation.

Here’s a lil 15 second sound clip: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11IeZL0Uar8CwkH4fr7_6-Bf84sKqpwXm/view?usp=drivesdk

 

[Scottydoggs]

sounds like a exhaust leak to me.

 

[Rocket Man]

sounds like a exhaust leak to me.

I agree with Scott. Maybe get underneath and have someone give it some throttle.

 

[Tonyrodz]

sounds like a exhaust leak to me.

That's also what I thought when I heard it.

 

[OR VietVet]

That exhaust leak sounds like when a camel spits at something.


Did you have the exhaust manifolds surfaced while waiting for engine reassembly?

 

[Doubeleive]

exhaust leak 99% sure, had more than my share on my 00, if it wasn't a manifold or a crack in the exhaust then it was a gasket, if it wasn't a gasket then it was a flange and the only way to get a flange without buying a whole freaking exhaust was to cut one off at the junkyard and have it welded together, my truck was notorious anytime the exhaust was taken apart a new gasket had to be used, twice the flange warped so much it would leak no matter what you did.

 

[nosole]

Yes, it is indeed an exhaust leak and I know exactly why. This Sub must’ve had some work done on it before it came into my position because when I tore down the engine, the front and rear studs on the driver side were already broken off in the head. I forgot to drill them out before reassembling and was in such a rush, I just said “F it. It was fine before, it’ll probly be fine with just 4 bolts.” It must not have leaked before because the original gasket was so baked on. Now that it has a new gasket, it doesn’t have enough clamping pressure to prevent the leak.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Use the Dorman repair brackets.

 

[OR VietVet]

Yes, it is indeed an exhaust leak and I know exactly why. This Sub must’ve had some work done on it before it came into my position because when I tore down the engine, the front and rear studs on the driver side were already broken off in the head. I forgot to drill them out before reassembling and was in such a rush, I just said “F it. It was fine before, it’ll probly be fine with just 4 bolts.” It must not have leaked before because the original gasket was so baked on. Now that it has a new gasket, it doesn’t have enough clamping pressure to prevent the leak.

I would still recommend resurfacing the surface of the flange for a nice fit and of course now you have to get the old studs out of the head(s). Have fun with that. Is any of the broken stud sticking out past the head surface? Hope so. That makes it easier if you can get a grip on it that way. Forgetting to drill them out sucks. By the way, I have seen exhaust studs break off at the head without any work being done on them or any attempt made to remove the manifolds.

Tony, I had heard of these clamp kits but never seen them before or used them. Interesting. If I am not mistaken the only studs I ever saw that broke off are the end ones. That should help out "nosole".

 

[Rocket Man]

The infamous LS engine exhaust manifold bolts that break at will. So now you have a decision. Remove the studs or use the clamps that have been invented for the ones you can’t get to. There’s tons of info out there for removing them. If they’re protruding enough you can get vise grips on them, if not maybe put a larger nut over them and weld inside the nut then use a socket on the nut, or drill down the center and use an easy-out. As for clamps, I like the Kral over the Dorman ones. Good luck.
https://kralautoparts.com/

Edit: I highly recommend ARP exhaust manifold bolts.