LS Focus - sounds like exhaust leak, but none found.

[prydey]

Hi guys,

my wife's car is a LS focus LX manual hatch. just under 100000km. for a little while now its sounded every now and then like it has a hole in the muffler or a leak in the exhaust system. my brother also commented once that it sounded like a tractor. its weird though, as its only certain times and i can't really pin point it.

anyway, friday morning i had a bit of time so took it down to an exhaust specialist for a look. they put it up on the hoist with engine running, and..... nothing. couldn't find a leak. they called me in to the workshop to show me, and i couldn't hear or feel anything either.

anyone experienced anything like this? i did a bit of a google search, and it comes up with a lot of info about focus' sounding like tractors due to an EGR issue, but it seemed to be a different model. search results come up with a lot of UK based info, so not sure if the models line up.

its a great little car, which we've owned since 60000km and haven't had to spend a cent on it.

any help with this current issue greatly appreciated. doesn't seem to be affecting mileage or performance to any obvious extent.

thanks.

[dazFX]

Make sure you use 95 or higher octane, it might be pinging if sounds like a tractor or a diesel.

[prydey]

cheers, its not pinging.