I have a 97 F150 with 4.6L engine that has a exhaust leak when the vehicle is first started. After the Engine warms up the leak goes away!

I've looked but can't find the leak. I'm not sure if the leak is in the engine compartment or from underneath somewhere!

The only 2 scenarios I can think of are EGR system or Manifold gasket.

Any one else ever have a similar problem? If so what was the fix and how much did it cost?

Stu~

 

Are you sure that's what it is? What are your symptoms? I have an intermittent ticking noise that is one of the cats ticking but it is not uncommon for it to happen on '97-'03 f150.

 

Symptoms are exhaust smell in the cab with windows open and excessive exhaust noise until engine is warm.

It's definately an exhaust leak. I'm going to check the EGR valve tonight. If my suspicion is correct it would have to be a hose after the EGR valve otherwise it would leak all the time.

 

Follow the exhaust from the cylinder head to the very end looking for black soot. The soot will tell you where it leaks. It could be anywhere. Have you had any work done to the truck that would involve disconnecting any part of the exhaust?

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Ended up being a rusted Stud on the LHS Exhaust manifold. The stud actually deteriorated causing the head pipe to seperate enough to cause the intermittent leak.

Ford dealership installed some clamps to hold it in place. Looks like new Gibson headers will be in order the next time it starts leaking.

Thanks for your help.