MG Car Repair: 78 mg midget exhaust leak, vacuum hose, exhaust manifold

Question
I have developed a new exhaust leak in my 78 midget.  It sounds like it's coming from under the hood.  I can smell the exhaust in the cabin.  Visually, I don't see a problem.  What is my best way to pinpoint the location of the leak.   It causes backfiring and lound exhaust.

Answer
Hi Richard,

While it is difficult to access all the points that could be leaking you can usually pinpoint a leak by use of a piece of small hose like a long piece of vacuum hose. Just put one end close to your ear and use the other end as prob to find the leak. You don't need to rev the engine up, just let it idle and move the end of the hose around the exhaust manifold and the point where the pipe connects to the manifold. The hose will allow you to access hard to reach places. If you can get a shop to put the car up on a lift you can check the rest of the exhaust system too. However, backfire on deceleration is usually from an exhaust leak close to the front.

Howard