All,
My exhaust pipe rotted out and fell off today. The pipe is rotted down the side so it is shot. My question is can I run it that way or not? I want to take the truck on a 800 mile trip this weekend. Should I or not? Your input is appreciated.

John

 

A Diesel can run with no exhaust whatso ever, but the heat & exhaust will end up concentrating on certain parts of your truck-depending on where the holes in the exhaust is.

there should be no issue as long as the holes in the pipe don't shoot hot exhaust onto anything important....like a fuel tank or electrical.

 

And don't forget about the emissions entering the cab especially during the winter with the windows up. Even diesel fumes have gases that can be fatal.

 

If the rotted area is near the cab or under the hood, you need to get it fixed before your trip. If it's towards the back, beneath the bed, you can leave it for now.

For a temp fix, get some muffler bandage. It works OK, and certainly won't last long. But unless it's close to the turbo it should last about 1,000 miles or so.