My engine has recently developed an exhaust leak in the engine bay. It is located near the top rear of the motor and more to the right hand side of the engine bay. I've stuck my bare hands all over engine - almost touching the parts - but I can't seem to feel a hot exhaust pulse anywhere. I've used a metal tube with one end at my ear and other aimed at various parts of the engine, and I'll I can determine is the general area of the leak.

Before I explore any further, I would like to know the common places on the V6 from which the exhaust can leak.

85 Firebird, MPFI V6, automatic, no AC, coding 44 (lean)

 

verify that none of your exhaust manifold bolts have snapped a head off

 

check that, but if its on that side and toward the top, theres the manifold/bolts/gasket, EGR valve gasket, or the gasket that mounts the EGR valve extension (whatever its called) to the manifold.

just making sure on this, but when you say right side, youre referring to passenger side right? if not, its just the manifold/bolts/gasket.

 

Yes. Passenger side.