1998 Chevy S-10 Possible exhaust leak

1998 CHEVROLET S-10
160,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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ATROXX
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One day my Chevy S-10 randomly developed this clicking noise. There was a slight loss in power but nothing major. Then I let a friend of mine drive it who didn't know how to drive a straight shift very well. He rode the clutch too long and revved up the engine way to far. I don't have a tach in it, but it was obviously red-lined.

Since then, that click turned into a full blown howl. It sounds very much like an exhaust leak. This was accompanied by a drastic loss in power, almost like it was only firing on 3 cylinders.

My dad said it sounds like a broke lifter, but that diagnosis was based purely on hearing it run.

I don't know a whole lot about car repair, but it is something that interests me. Since I've retired this truck and bought a new one, I figure this would be a good project to start on.

Any ideas on what the problem might be, and if so, where might I look for a way to repair this hunk o' junk?
Aug 10, 2009 at 6:11 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,


Check out the exhaust manifold for a gasket leak, you can listen with a length of hose as this will act like a stereoscope and you will hear any leaks up under the manifolds and around flanges that are hard to see.

Mark (mhpautos)
Aug 10, 2009 at 6:17 PM