DOMINION

Hey guys,
How do you know if you have a Exhaust leak? What do I need to look for? sounds? smells? ect.

About the Compression check, What are the bad numbers? and what are good numbers? Also how much is it? and how long will it take?

One last thing, I drive a lot, How often should I change my spark plugs? Ever 15K or is it 30K?
My Car is a 2004 and has 55,500 miles. I think the last time I got new plugs was when I got a new engine.


Thanks,
-Gil

ken-x8

Exhaust leak can show up as sounds, smells, or you feeling groggy. Over the years I've experienced all three, and the "feeling groggy" symptoms can be life threatening.

If you suspect an exhaust leak, go to a good muffler shop like Midas. Those guys look at exhausts all day, and if there's a leak they will find it. They'll also inspect your exhaust for free.

Owner's manual says to replace spark plugs at 37.5k (Schedule 1) or 35k (Schedule 2) miles. There are a lot of threads here by folks who change them more often, or who use cheaper plugs and replace them a lot more often. Not as loaded a topic as which oil to use , but there are opinions.

Ken

Razz1

Compression check needs to be compared to cranking speed.

Your plugs should be fine, your engine is too new.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I cant believe DOMINION ask such question ...

Follow what Ken saids about the exhaust leak.

for Spark plugs, I change mine hmm about every 20K miles. I got 6 stock Mazda OEM leading plugs (four 4 hot start plug, 2 regular) for like about 9 bux each, not so bad IMO. Im gonna get the trailing plugs from sparkplugs.com soon, 20 bux a pop. or Amazon, 20 bux a pop and Free Shipping.

DOMINION

The reason I'm asking about the Exhaust leak is due to some odd sounds I have been hearing from under the Car.
Sounds like the part where my CAT and Exhaust manifold connect. Sounds like something is cherping, over and over like air is seaping out at a fast pace and its makeing rattling sounds (Not fart sounds ), I dont get it. I can record it with my digi cam and post it for you guys to hear.

Thanks for the help,
-Gil

ken-x8

Exhaust leak towards the front of the car can have a pulsing sound, rather than the classic bad muffler roar. Leak toward the front also has a better chance of gases getting into the car. Not good when that happens.

Could be somethng else, but the odds of an exhaust leak are high enough that you don't want to putz around guessing. Find a muffler shop who can take a look.

Ken

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

More likely that it is something rubbing.

As my car ages, more of the plastic-on-metal bits have developed a temperature-dependent "chirp" at idle.
It could also be any point along the exhaust or drivetrain where there is an interface. The flanges and hangers can get squeaky.

Razz1

Or it could be that dead fish I put in your exhaust at Seven Stock is getting loose and making sounds.

Maybe it wants to get back into the Ocean................

DOMINION

^LOL thanks guys.