An exhaust leak?

[tallest1]

The folks at Nissan just called to tell me that they found an exhaust leak (the source of some extra noise) on my car.

They said it isn't a problem unless it gets really bad but.... wtf is an exhaust leak what does it mean/do?

 

[Linflas]

I am surprised they told you it was not necessary to fix it. It can be very dangerous if you are driving and exhaust fumes enter the car since they contain carbon monoxide. In addition this will generally cause you to fail a safety inspection if you live in a place that requires one. I would advise getting it fixed asap.

 

[Zenmervolt]

An exaust leak is exactly what it sounds like. It's a hole in the exaust system (typically either just behind the catylitic converter or just before the muffler) that allows exaust gasses to escape unmuffled. Initially it's just a few pinholes which creates a sound kind of like a mild whine that is only noticed under acceleration, but over time the pinholes grow in number and size until the car becomes noisy all the time and if things are allowed to go on, eventually the exaust system will rust through completely. This will probably take a year or two from when the leaks are noticed.

ZV

EDIT: Exaust leak != exaust fumes in cabin. An exaust leak can be (and almost always is) completely external and no fumes are emitted into the passenger cabin. This is NOT an urgent fix. Typical lifetime for an exaust system (cat back) is 5-6 years unless the system is stainless steel. Unless the manifold is leaking, or the leak is before the catylitic converter, you can probably put it off for 6 months to a year, but if the leak is before the catylitic converter I would advise getting it fixed quickly since the catylitic converter is an important part of the pollution control system.

 

[911paramedic]

Agree that it is dangerous if it is in the wrong place. Just save yourself some trouble and get it fixed. An exhaust leak can be from the manifold or the exhaust pipes that carry the gasses to your tailpipe. If the leak is up front it needs to get fixed now, for the most part they should be able to just weld it. If you leave it alone it is just going to get worse and cost more later.

 

[tallest1]

Its a '91 Nissan Stanza. I took it to the shop before a long road trip to Miami tomorrow.

 

[yakko]

<< wtf is an exhaust leak what does it mean/do? >>

It is what happens after I eat Taco Bell.

 

[HappyFace]

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<< wtf is an exhaust leak what does it mean/do? >>

It is what happens after I eat Taco Bell. >>

Eww!! I'm trying to eat here. :frown: