i checked the collectors, felt around them, burnt myself 3 times... didn't FEEL any air, didn't soud like it was coming from them from under the car, but above the car it kinda does.. how can i tell if its leaking from the header gaskets? i don't see any black residue, i just hear that awful ticking sound..

if i were to bring it to a muffler shop, do yall guys think they would be able to help me find my leak?

 

yeah, if you're having that much trouble finding it then take it to a shop. they should be able to pinpoint it no problem. good luck

 

If it sounds louder from the top with the hood open than underneath the car I bet its the gasket at the exhaust port flange.

 

Take some heater hose and hold one end to your ear and point the other end at different parts of the exhaust. The larger the heater hose the more of a megaphone effect and you should be able to hear the sputtering and pinpoint it's location in no time.