Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) exhaust gasket bad?

[rha478]

I changed my oil in my truck 4 days ago. I was reving the engine up by the throttle by the injector pump, when I noticed puffs of black soot coming from the down side of the turbo. I put my fingers down their and felt exhaust coming from that area. My question is: is this hard to fix and can I get a gasket from the local auto parts store? Have I done any damage to my engine by not finding this earlier?

 

[dpuckett]

As far as I know, there is no gasket on the DP side of the turbo- it just fits together. Is is from the turbo to elbow connection, or the elbow to pipe end? If it is the latter, you may be able to tighten the bolts from the elbow to the downpipe. If the former, you need to clean off both sides of the joint, make sure they are perfectly flat, and put the clamp back on. As far as that goes, check your clamp- it could have worked loose over the years; I've had it happen on my 1st Gens (I'd check the clamp before taking it apart and cleaning it all off- go with the simple stuff first). While you're at it, give the intercooler boot clamps a turn or two.



Daniel