2007 Escape XLT 3.0 AWD. During the winter there can be quite the exhaust smell in the interior upon startup and especially if using the remote start. During driving the smells will clear out and appear again with an extended stop but not as bad as initial cold startups. I realize the hotter the engine and exhaust components the smaller the leaks become. Hopefully not an exhaust manifold leak.

Looking for a way to find where a leak may happen. I saw a video of a garage using "smoke" pushed up the tailpipe to find leaks. Or any other techniques or similar situations.

Thanks!

 

I had an issue with mine and I simply waited for a really cold morning.

Have a helper hold a tennis ball against the tailpipe - not enough to plug it, just enough to increase the pressure. With the engine completely cold, start the engine and quickly inspect the exhaust looking for a steam jet from where it doesn't belong.

Not sure about the '01, but the '01 has a flexible joint on the rear portion of the Y pipe and it was failing. Steam jets from the flexible portion revealed where mine was. I have no rust holes into the cabin, but the gasses found a way in anyway. I ended up replacing the exhaust from the Y pipe to the tailpipe.

 

Good idea.

That flex piece I believe you are talking about was replaced on mine as one of the many fixes before sale by the dealer. Hopefully it wouldn't fail that quick.