An exhaust leak? Original orange muffler and pipe.

[89ARIES]

I know this may sound stupid, but where or what is an exhaust leak? How do I fix it? I am told I have one. Should
I just go ahead an replace the 23 year old muffler and tailpipe?

[K-CAR_WAGON]

"Exhaust leak" refers to some of the exhaust gases from combustion leaking out prior to exiting the back of the tailpipe. You should find out where the exhaust leak is before just changing parts. Possible sources of exhaust leaks include: a bad gasket between the exhaust manifold and engine block, a cracked exhaust manifold, a bad gasket between an exhaust manifold and an exhaust pipe, a loose connection between any two pipe interfaces, a rust hole in a pipe, muffler, cat, etc, a hole in a a pipe, muffler, cat, etc. due to road damage or stress, a leak by EGR valve, a leak in the air pump to cat. line/connection if your car has one., etc.