I have what sounds like a small exhaust leak coming from the passenger side. I have check for leaks on both sides of the mainfold. No leaks detected. The sound changes with rpm. If it is a bad/burnt vavle, how can you tell without pulling the head? I have not had any CEL's. Will a bad/bent valve cause any further damage?

 

a burned valve should be heard in the exhaust rather than under the hood. it will show up as a soft "popping" kind of sound. if you are hearing something under the hood, it is more likely a bad gasket, seal, etc.

 

Also, If you had a burnt valve the engine would be idling rough & you would notice a loss of power due to compression loss on affected cylinders

 

Might want to check those plugs and see if they're tight. Most people who have ejected a plug heard what sounded like an exhaust leak just before it decided to remove itself from the head.

 

Thanks guys. I have checked around the intake, plugs and exhaust by listening through a rubber hose. No luck. It is only noticable while driving when the motor is under load. It must be to faint to hear at idle. I have heard of the number 3 cylinder giving people trouble when running headers. I will recheck those plugs just to be safe.

 

Your engine will seem to jerk or skip during normal driving.