UKH

I’ve noticed this week that there is a deeper tone to my exhaust especially on acceleration….sounds like a small hole somewhere underneath. When up to speed in 5th gear I can’t really notice it but I’m due to head up to the Lakes tomorrow staying near Pooley Bridge. It’s about 120 miles I reckon….am I risking it too much by chancing it? 
Thanks for any opinions…

I would not. Because I couldn't be sure that fumes were not leaking in to the car interior

Just my take on it, I am definitely no expert

Can you have someone e.g. a garage check it? (Sorry for the too-obvious suggestion)

Planning to head off early morning!! It doesn’t smell, I’ve had them before where it’s really blown and losing power etc and it’s not that bad but I’m a bit anxious that it could get worse on route etc!

Take some repair tape with you and hope that you don't have to use it.

It'll be fine 

The chances of fumes leaking into your car at 60mph are pretty low. Microscopically small. But then again I'm not a prophet of doom.

The main problem would be if the exhaust splits and part of it either falls off or drags along the road. It sound like your exhaust is a long way from that happening but it can deteriorate quite quickly once it goes.

Personally I'd risk it. But please don't take that as advice.

My exhaust fell off on the way to Glasgow... Apart from sounding like a tractor and terrible fuel economy it wasn't an issue. Couldn't get it fixed in Glasgow so did the three hour drive home after the weekend without it as well. Honestly if it is just blowing a bit I wouldn't worry. 

We have exactly the same. Took the car to the garage today and after they’d inspected it we booked it in to be fixed in over a week’s time. The mechanic, who is also a friend, said the car’s fine to drive. 

Exhaust bandage is great. I’ve used it, lasted years and saved changing exhaust.

Unless you're in a lowrider you should be able to get under and have a look. Park two wheels on a curb if you don't have ramps or axle stands.

If it's a hole no problem, if it's sheared then either pull it off or secure it. Wire from a coat hanger if it's near the front and hot, rope or cord is fine if it's near the back

I'd drive it but I'm like that. Chuck a coat hanger, pliers and head torch in in case it snaps and drags.

Jk

Silver tape, or patch will buy you time. Halfords sell them. 

My Hilux hasn't had a tail pipe for about 18 months. Be reet

Years ago, my mate's exhaust fell off his Nova in Swanage on a bank holiday, with nowhere open to get it fixed.

Had a very noisy drive home through the New Forest and up the M3!

Yes, Holts GunGum products from Halfords/wherever should sort it.

Drinks can, tough scissors and a couple of long Jubilee clips might also be useful, depending on where the hole is. Used to keep some under the seat of my motorbike for when the exhaust on my mate's Buell inevitably fell apart on a ride out!

Exhaust fell off of my mates Ford Escort Mexico on the way to Cornwall once. He tried to pick the silencer up, burnt his hand, swore loadly and threw it into a hedge. 

As we got to Helston,  they could still hear us in Truro....

Best ok luck.

Agree, totally.  Just put some Motorhead on the stereo and turn it up to 11; job done

Thanks all…reassured! Off to Cumbria it is!!

Maybe not an issue for you but could have been for the car or motorbike that hit the exhaust in the road (unless you recovered it) 

It split directly below the engine. Just yanked off a section of pipe with everything else still attached. Chucked the section in the boot in forlorn hope I could get it fixed. Definitely nothing left in the road for anyone else to hit in my case. 

Think the worst thing about it was waking people up pulling up to my destination in Glasgow...

I had the whole system fall off my nightrally car one event, same deal, it's hotter than you think! Burnt my hands, kicked it off, carried on. Lost the back bumper to a deep ford that night too. Annoying!

Jk

Sounds like the ideal opportunity to join your local evening car enthusiasts group. I'd  advise some hard pulls through the gears up to say 43mph then stop for a bit and have a jazz cigarette. 

It'll be fine.

Fumes are very unlikely to be an issue and if it does start to smell a little bit in the car, just drive with the windows open - problem solved.

I once drove around with the entire muffler box and tailpipe section in the boot for a few weeks because it rusted off completely.

At some point a polite man or woman in a spiffing blue uniform will come over for a chat though, so make sure you have your story prepared in advance. Driving while sounding like M1 Abrams is technically illegal.

A garage in Italy once did me one of those baked bean can + gun gum + jubilee clip type temp fixes and it lasted for ages. Like maybe 6 months or more.