Jim Grant's Tech Tips

95 Chevy Impala, Cold Exhaust Leaks
Q: I have a '95 Impala SS. It sounds like it has an exhaust leak, when the engine is first started. After driving for about 10 minutes or so it goes away. Can you help?

A: If it sounds like an exhaust leak, it probably is. While the engine is cold, closely inspect the exhaust manifolds primarily near the rear of the engine; that's where the problems most commonly are found. Usually you'll find that a bolt has loosened up allowing the exhaust manifold to pull away from the engine. As the engine heats up the exhaust manifold expands closing the exhaust leak. I would recommend having the problem corrected before it gets worse or requires additional parts and labor.