Hey Everyone,

I just got word from the guys doing my bike inspection that I have a "hole in the front exhaust header" and didnt pass the emissions. Here's my dilema:

1. Figure out what the hell he's talking about?
a. The exhaust pipes
b. The slip-on header on the back
c. Something entirely different
2. Decide if I should take a crack at it myself...because that's what Im leaning to.

Any Thoughts?

Thanks

 

Depending where the hole is exactly, shouldn't be too hard to weld a small piece of metal over the hole. Unless you want to buy a used set from Ebay..

 

I was thinking of buying a set on ebay and getting on with it.

 

Fumes will appear out from the hole. While at idle, put a moist shop rag against the tail pipe (restricting the flow out of the muffler) and you'll see/hear where the leak is. It's how inspection facilities know you have a leak in the first place.

 

I've heard mechanics refer to the exhaust manifold as the "header," so that's probably what he's talking about. Do what f3biker said to confirm.

If you're not into welding, JB Weld is rated up to 600 F (if the hole is small enough for that). We used to do it in the auto shop as a quick fix for people who couldn't afford a new pipe or weld job. It's ghetto, but it works.

Otherwise, yeah, you can get manifolds for a reasonable rate on eBay. Maybe think about doing a full exhaust while you're at it? It's a nice performance upgrade.

 

The header pipes are the ones coming out of the exhaust outlets on the motor, depending on the type of leak (or hole) will depend if its worth the repair. I had a small hole in the headers on my old Kwaka & used heat putty (for exhausts) & it out lasted the pipes.
If its a crack then its only going to get longer, usually rust being the culprit. Did he actually say hole, or possibly a hole or leak? Reason being, the header bolts can come loose & allow an escape of gasses (especially if the gasket cactus) & this may be what he is referring to.

 

+1 for the heat putty.
(yes it's ghetto, but it works)
I'm glad I don't have to do emissions testing here........

 

Same here!

 

I'd be screwed with my camaro, 87 iroc, 454 BB, Holley Projection Kit, Absolutely no emissions whatsoever.

 

I decided to go for it and I bought a Motad exhaust system with the Viper silencer. The entire system cost less than the estimate I got from the mechanic so my next goal is to install it. Any tips/tricks that I shoud know about?