How to Fix an Exhaust Leak in a Ford F150
- 1). Raise the hood of your F150 and start the engine. Locate the source of the exhaust leak by listening along the exhaust system. Do not use your hands to feel for the leak, as this will burn you.
- 2). Turn the vehicle off and allow the engine and exhaust to cool before working on it.
- 3). Return to the area of the exhaust leak. The most common area for an exhaust leak is where the exhaust manifold meets the exhaust pipe. If this is where the leak is, remove the bolts from the pipe mounting flange, by turning them counterclockwise with the socket. Install the new gasket, which is referred to as a "doughnut" because of its shape, and tighten the flange bolts by turning them clockwise.
- 4). Inspect the area where the exhaust manifold bolts onto the engine. If the leak is here, try to tighten the manifold bolts by turning them clockwise with the socket. This will often seal the leak. If this does not work, remove the manifold bolts by turning them counterclockwise with the socket. Pull the exhaust manifold from the engine and remove the mounting gasket. Use the gasket scraper to remove any gasket residue. Put the new gasket into place and tighten the manifold bolts, by turning them clockwise with the socket.
- 5). Inspect the catalytic converter flange and the muffler attachment for leaks. If any are found, remove the mounting bolts by turning them counterclockwise with the socket. Install the new gasket and tighten the mounting bolts by turning them clockwise with the socket.