Aggressive Exhaust Leak?

[Mitragorz]

I drive the car (‘80 924) once or twice per week. I started it up this morning to take it to work and heard a brand new sound. The last drive I did was a week and a half ago, I drove 100 miles / two hours round trip to a Magnus Walker meet up in Brooklyn. Longest stretch I’ve ever done in the car. She also developed an oil leak during the drive… I did check the oil the night before and it was half a quart low, so I dumped a quart in and now it’s sitting between the fill lines. Maybe it’s just above its “happy place”? But that’s an issue for another time.

I don’t remember hearing this noise when I parked it. You think it’s just a very aggressive exhaust leak, or something more sinister?

[944 Ecology]

Sure sounds like an exhaust leak. If you don't wait too long when you start it up, you might be able to put your bare hand down in the area and feel the leak on your hand. Once it's hot, though, you probably want to keep your hand out of there. I'm going to guess broken manifold stud.

[Matt at Pelican Parts]

I agree with 944 Ecology about checking it when it's cold. You should be able to inspect the downpipe for any leaks. You might also want to inspect the exhaust manifold gasket as well.

-Matt

[kdjones2000]

On my '78 924 race car the exhaust manifold cracked and a chunk just fell off.

Harder than I thought it would be to find a replacement.