I think i have a small exhaust leak around where the exhaust pipe bolts on to the engine because i can smell burning fuel when driving with the windows down. For some reason when the windows are closed i don't smell it. The brackets the connect the pipes are all rusty as are the bolts and i have been told it is hard to take them off without breaking the bolts, and i am not sure how to even test to see if that is where the leak it.
Any advice on how to deal with this? I know there is always Midas mufflers but it's an hour away and i would probably have to leave it there for a day - all that time would set me back more than the cost of having them fix it.
There is no one within an hour of where i live who will even look at this thing - it kind of works in my favor since it forces me to learn to fix everything myself but it necessitates me filling this forum with a lot of stupid quesitons, my apologies.
thanks,
Paul

I have never had one leak on my diesel's but on a gas you can usually start it and listen under the vehicle. If it is where the pipe bolts to the manifold, the only way I have ever gotten them off is heat where the stud goes into the manifold with a torch and turn it out where the nut is. Then go to the parts store and buy new studs to put in the manifold. And a new gasket in between the manifold and pipe. If you don't have a torch I don't know what to do.

Easyist Way To Check Is To Cover The End Of The Tailpipe And Listen For The Leak It Will Sound Like A Tire Leaking:) Hope That Helps

It is probably the gasket between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe. Keep squirting some Liquid Wrench or equivalent on it and maybe you will be able to get the nuts off. I do use my acet. oxy torch a lot for loosening fittings, nuts, and bolts to the point where I consider it the most important tool that I have bought. I bought the aircraft torch about 30 years ago and it has paid for itself many times plus I have done a lot of brazing, soldering, and welding with the unit. The small size and the small neoprene hose make it very handy to use. When I take things apart I usually put some anti-sieze on the threads, but sometimes it washes or wears out (or burns out on exhaust).