Ford 289 exhaust leak that comes and goes?

Ford 289 exhaust leak that comes and goes. It on the driver’s side tords the back to cylinders. When I start the car its very load ticking or popping. Sometimes I can drive and barley hear it. than after parking and restarting the car it super load and a loss of power when I accelerate. Can this be the exhaust donut or the exhaust manifold gasket? Any help would be great.

 

Loss of power? Sounds more like a sticking lifter or valve then an exhaust leak.

-KK

 

A sticky exhaust valve or lifter will make a popping sound like a loud exhaust leak.

 

I don't think an exhaust leak is going to give you a loss of power. Sounds like maybe you have a lifter that isn't pumping up. Had that happen on a 289 once. But it didn't pop, so you may have a different problem.

 

exhaust manifold is leaking. when it gets hot it expands and seals the leak. it will get worse. could be the gasket or the manifold itself. not a cheap or easy fix. but i just had same thing done on my tbird. i dont think its ever sounded this good. no noise from engine compartment

 

If the exhaust manifold is cracked (quite possible) you should be able to find the crack easily enough, it will have white residue at the crack site from the leaking exhaust gases. Check the heat riser as well, it may be doing something real funky and blocking off the exhaust.

Bob

 

A length of rubber hose that will reach your ear as you move it around the manifolds will quickly tell you the exact location.

 

thanks for the help.