How to diagnose a possible exhaust leak

[Monkeyboy2283]

I’m having an annoying issue that I am thinking is possibly being caused by an exhaust leak, randomly when the car is sat idling, I am getting a very fumy smell from outside the car, queuing in traffic that sort of thing.

I don’t seem to be able to make it happen on purpose, there is no notable blowing sound, the car seems to drive normally, there is no oil leak, or anything being left on the ground after being parked up.

So, my guess is there is a slight leak on the exhaust possibly being caused by all the speedbumps around where I am, and the exhaust is flexing at some point and opening and closing a crack maybe?

Any ideas what could be going on or how to diagnose it more.

Steve

[flash22]

what cat do you have on the car there is a known issue due to the location of the EGR pipe, the exhaust flange can also rot out

[Monkeyboy2283]

Looks like I have the one on the right, was it the bottom joint that had an issue? 

[flash22]

it's the one on the left that has an issue, the EGR gets blocked

only thing you can do is leave it alone and see if it gets any worse

it may be something that seals when it gets hot

[Monkeyboy2283]

1 hour ago, flash22 said:

it's the one on the left that has an issue, the EGR gets blocked

only thing you can do is leave it alone and see if it gets any worse

it may be something that seals when it gets hot

Thats what im thinking, and if it's anything bad it would get picked up on the MOT 😏

[Red_Corolla]

Old-school palm over the tailpipe while a second person c_ocks an ear at various places along the system?

[flash22]

2 minutes ago, Red_Corolla said:

Old-school palm over the tailpipe while a second person c_ocks an ear at various places along the system?

it's only very minor the back pressure may seal it - if it aint broken, don't fix it