Exhaust leak?

[atek3]

So my 89 GS w/ 47k on it is making a new noise (in addition to all the old noises).  This one is loud and it sounds like a low chuffing sound coming from the front of the engine.  When I put my hand in between the engine and the headers I and rev it, I can feel hot gas hitting my hand.  This probably means exhaust leak right?  No smoke.  The headers look pretty rusty.  What is the cheapest way to fix the problem, if indeed it needs fixing.

thanks,
atek3

[raylarrabee]

the header bolts might just be loose.  I had one come loose shortly after I bought my used '92.

[atek3]

good thinking, i'll check that.  the header bolts look mighty rusty, is there a way to loosen them up to avoid snapping them off?

atek3

[raylarrabee]

buy some Liquid Wrench.  It is a penetrating oil that should loosen even badly rusted/stuck fasteners.   Spray it on and let it sink in for a while.  Also, be wary of applying too much torque to those header botls--supposedly they have a tendancy to break.  Let the liquid wrench do the work  

ps:  sold at any Auto Zone or similar store.

[atek3]

eek, all the header bolts were way loose.  I tightened them to spec and now the leak went away, thanks.

atek3

[raylarrabee]

glad you got it fixed     Should be running a little better now, eh?

[atek3]

yep

atek3