Exhaust Leak???

[JimClark]

I just bought a 1969 Bronco. 302, headers, new exhaust system. I was driving it home from the transport link-up location (about 3 miles) and noticed an unpleasant smell coming from the vehicle. It ran fine, and seemed to get better the longer it ran, but the smell is pretty bad. Does this sound like and exhaust leak?

 

[Slowleak]

If the exhaust is really new, it is probably just burning any coatings off. Most pipes, mufflers etc. will have a light oil or some type of anti-rust coating on them when new.

 

[JimClark]

Thanks. It looks very new...or at least not used much. It also has very new looking headers.

 

[Eoth]

Agreed, its probably just a coating burning off. Easy way to check for leaks is duct tape the hose of a shop vac to the tailpipe and blow into it. I did that and was surprised at some pretty big leaks at some of my joints. Just needed to tighten up some exhaust clamps.

 

[JimClark]

That is a great idea! Thanks for the tip.

 

[spap]

How is the exhaust routed, out the back or to the side.
If it is out the back , it can be sucked back in the cabin area even with a hard top on

 

[EPB72]

Aiso i'll add to the other responses OLD vehicle ,old vehicle exhaust smell not much to control exhaust emissions,,LOL.. maybe some tuning ,but id at least burn a few tanks of fuel go thrugh some heat cycles and go from there,,

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, also make sure nothing is laying on the exhaust, like plug wires or heater hoses. Good luck with the new Bronco

 

[blubuckaroo]

Could be the smell of unburned hydrocarbons.
Check the conditions of your carb and ignition system.
A good tune-up can do wonders.

 

[DirtDonk]

Pretty much all of the above.
Not to mention the fact that most Broncos these days (even if they look, or are claimed to be "restored" fully) have bodies like swiss-cheese and any exhaust floating and fluffing and chuffing it's way around the body will have lots of areas to find it's way inside with the passengers.

Is it a hard top? Soft top? No top?
As was asked already, is the exhaust exiting anywhere but out the passenger side rear corner at an angle?
Is the body in rough shape, or has this one been fully restored?

If the answer to any of those questions is yes, no or maybe, then your regular old foul smelling old truck exhaust may just be coming in to share some good quality time with the new owner!

Every hole in the body is a leak. Each rear corner stake-pocket is an open port to the exhaust if the hard top is not on, or is not sealed perfectly. Any rear window seal that is not perfect is an exhaust path waiting to happen.
And any time the exhaust pipe(s) are routed straight out the back, or in front of the rear wheels, or on turn-downs in front of the rear differential, it's just a pollution-fest in the making.

But enjoy your Bronco anyway!
And welcome to classicbroncos.com too! Is this your first, or have you had others?

Good luck with the smell.

Paul