Exhaust Leak

Every once in a while I get a bad smell actually dangerous. It goes away and comes back. Do you think its a sensor or cataltic

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles but good that your looking for help to remedy the situation. Here are my thoughts...

• Exhaust systems shouid be checked approximately every 6 months
• With the engine cold check the exhaust pipes and connections for signs of leakage and or corrosion indication a potential failure.
• Make sure that all brackets and hangers and unions are in good condition and tight
• Inspect the underside of the body for holes, corrosion, open seams, eat, which may allow exhaust gasses to enter the passenger compartment.
• Rattles and other noises can often be traced to the exhaust system. Especially the hangers mounts and heat shields. Try to move the pipes, mufflers and catalytic converter. If the components can come in contact with the body or suspension parts.

Hope this is a start to remedying your "bad smell" ..... does it smell of exhaust or gas? Any engine codes?

Keep us posted and good luck

 

No codes. Smells of exhaust

 

You can also hold a rag up against the exhaust tip with a rag and allow some back pressure and any leaks will be heard easily

 

Why not just take it into an independent muffler shop? They could diagnose your problem very quick and shouldn't cost you much if anything.

 

Exactly how I found mine. Small hole in the muffler and the donut was completely disintegrated.

 

Donut?

 

There's a gasket there.

 

There's a gasket after your catalytic converter where the rear section of exhaust clamps on. As well as a gasket at the header collector. Should be right behind the front wheel if you took it off and look past the strut.

 

So just take it off and inspect it

 

You should be able to hear a leak right when you first start your truck for the day. The heat from the exhaust expands the metal and seals any small leaks after a few minutes. So right after you start it, hop out and listen around those two areas for an exhaust leak. Or have a friend plug the tailpipe with a thick rag for a few seconds and see if it causes the leak. Once you take the exhaust system apart, you'll have to replace those gaskets no matter what. They're typically like a crush washer, one time use only.

 

Ran 16 ounces of seafoam in the tank and no problems since crossing fingers