loss of mileage, loss of power and exhaust smell... - Diesel Forum

keith_1963 · 10-13-2009, 06:36 PM

Ok, I feel like my truck has lost some of its oompfh, plus I notice about a 3 mpg reduction in mileage, and now I notice a faint exhaust smell in the cab that was never there before, It may be worse when the heat is on, but not sure.

My guess is an exhaust leak (genius huh?) My question is: Is there a likely spot?

Keith

keith_1963 · 10-14-2009, 10:14 AM

One more thing, I'd say the exhaust smells sort of "rich" or maybe describe it as a "sooty" smell, not what it used to smell like.

TXANGLER · 10-14-2009, 10:49 AM

up pipe would be my guess. get a bright flashlight and trace the exhaust plumbing looking for SOOT (Black). It will take 10 minutes.

scrmn6guns · 10-14-2009, 02:02 PM

i'm also thinking up pipe.... It's a common thing for the gaskets to wear out and leak. I think it was someone on here that said replace every 100,000 to aviod problems. And yes easy to check. Either from the top looking down behind the turbo or from the bottom looking up at the turbor. I had mine replaced at about 75,000, I think, with the international ones that get ride of the leaking gaskets.

knoweigh · 10-15-2009, 09:55 PM

another vote for the up pipes; the drivers side is easiest to see; down just behind,under turbo against firewall, looking in from around air intake area.
Should see some black soot on the flange.,....if it's real bad, there'll be alot of soot and maybe even on firewall.
pass side you'll need to check from under truck I believe.

I put the bellowed pipes on mine. All set now.
Yes, if you're gonna do it or have it done, it's WELL worth the extra $300 or so to go with the bellowed pipes. It's the last time it'll need done and if/when you go to sell it, that'll make a big difference to those who know this engines.
It's a PIA though if you have rusty bolts!

good luck

Dunbar · 10-19-2009, 10:27 PM

Mine just started leaking too. I bought the bellowed up pipes from DI here in Houston. Spent $70 extra for the ceramic coated ones. Would have been 5 hours or so labor so I going to install it myself. Any tips from those who have done the job?

Thanks

MotionMan · 10-20-2009, 04:00 PM

Sounds like someone slipped in a Duramax.......better check the tag, it may be a huge ripoff swap...

boertje · 10-20-2009, 08:02 PM

Had my up pipes done at 120K as they too were leaking. My vote is up pipes.