I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9 v6 and a manual transmission. I’ve owned the truck for about a month now, and I’ve noticed some odd things. When the truck idles, I am hearing a steady popping noise coming from the tailpipe, and what sounds like an exhaust leak coming from the back muffler. At first I figured the popping was a misfire, so I replaced all the plugs and wires, along with the cap and rotor, but the problem persists. The truck is not throwing any codes. What are your thoughts? Thank you in advance.
Plug the tailpipe with a rag for a minute. If smoke comes out along the exhaust and the noise changes pitch,you found your leak.
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Sounds like an exhaust leak ahead of the muffler .
Sounds like a burned exhaust valve to me. Run a compression test to find if and where it is.