Exhaust Leak?

[phaZe]

Recently the ticking noise coming from my Cutlass has increased from just barely pushing the gas pedal to the full extent of the pedal. It doesn't do it on a consistent period and it did it the other day even after driving it on the highway for a few miles and driving around the city for a few more miles. It's running on regular, but that wouldn't explain the increase from just doing it when I barely push in the gas pedal.

I read online that an exhaust leak by the manifold can cause a ticking sound. I haven't checked that area, but I noticed that I have at least 2 holes in my Catalytic Converter with exhaust coming out of them when you give it gas.

Any ideas?

 

[Blake442]

I'd guess your converter is starting to leak. The ticking is going to run in rhythm with your engine's rpm's, so the more gas you give it, the louder and faster it will get.

An easy way to check is to turn the engine on, and hold your hand around the manifolds where they meet the block to feel for leaks. Also feel around where the manifolds meet the exhaust pipes, and any other junctions in the pipe. Check your EGR system too if it is still intact. If you can visibly see it leaking from the converter, that's the best bet. Your hand is the best diagnosis tool when it comes to finding exhaust leaks, just try not to burn yourself.

 

[phaZe]

Yeah, you can see it leaking from the converter. The sound doesn't happen until you get the RPMs above idle.

I'll throw a new converter on soon and see if the sound goes away. It's the original one on there so it probably needs to be replaced anyways.