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The_orange_beetle
Samba Member
Joined: September 15, 2020
Posts: 61
Location: London
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 Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 3:26 am Post subject: Heater box exhaust leak |
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Hi all.
Maybe a stupid question but how could I tell if I have a hole in my exhaust pipe that runs through the heater box?
Thanks |
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bomberbob
Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2015
Posts: 659
Location: Iowa
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| Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 4:53 am Post subject: Re: Heater box exhaust leak |
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Well, you could remove it, seal up one side, tip up one end, and pour water in there. If water comes out, then you have a leak. Or you could remove the muffler, start the motor and take a rag and hold it over the open end (for a short time). If the engine slows down, then you know there is backpressure on that cylinder and no leak. If it keeps on going its merry way and you hear exhaust escaping into the heater box, then you got a leak.
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The_orange_beetle
Samba Member
Joined: September 15, 2020
Posts: 61
Location: London
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| Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 6:38 am Post subject: Re: Heater box exhaust leak |
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| Awesome. Thanks pal. Will give it a go |
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Tom K.
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Joined: March 10, 2005
Posts: 1564
Location: Central Pennsylvania
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67rustavenger 
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 8699
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 8:52 am Post subject: Re: Heater box exhaust leak |
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Water, Gas? Both ideas are not smart (IMO).
You can use a shop vac in "blow" mode. As long as the vac is clean.
Connect the hose to the exhaust tip. Power up the vac and spray a mix of dish soap and water on the outside of the exhaust. If it's leaking. Bubbles will appear.
If the suspected leak is inside the heater box. You're gonna have to get creative.
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Multi69s
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006
Posts: 5290
Location: Lefty, CA
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| Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 7:51 pm Post subject: Re: Heater box exhaust leak |
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This is how I tested a 20 year old home made heater box for large engines.
This was the first one that I made. Back then NOBODY made such a part. Both ends are plugged, and a tire valve stem is placed on one end to pressurize it with air. Then just dunk it in water and look for air bubbles. You could do the same with a fully stock HB. If the leak is just a pinhole, you will have to do some sort of test (Exhaust in cabin = bad). I have seen HB leak so bad that it sounded like an exhaust leak, and you definitely DO NOT want to use your HBs under either condition.
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davidw99
Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2003
Posts: 687
Location: Boston, MA
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| Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2023 3:43 am Post subject: Re: Heater box exhaust leak |
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If the heater box is still in the car, drive with the heat on and put a CO monitor (like the kind sold for homes) in the foot well beside the open foot heater vent. Do both sides. If there is a leak the monitor will let you know.
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