If the guy has got issues as you suggest, and even if you do fix the exhaust you feel something else will come up then use the old bait and switch approach. So the next time he approaches try something like this:
Neighbour: That exhaust of yours, you've gotta -
JG: Ah, glad you showed up. I'm a bit worried, wondering if you can help.
NB: Umm...
JG: I've seen cars parked on the street and blokes with binoculars just watching your house. Well sometimes there were women too. I went to ask them what they were up to but they just drove off...
NB: Ah, no...
JG: Probably just my imagination. Seemed a bit odd that's all...Sorry, you were saying?
NB: Your exhaust -
JG: Ah yes, its always going to have a bit of a puff on start up, the old ones are just like that. I did a bit of research mostly steam you know, moisture in the exhaust. Still only a fraction of the carcinogens of those bloody Volkswagens! Sure you haven't seen anyone acting suspiciously, I think there's something going on. Honestly this suburb is starting to creep me out. Keep your eye out, I want to get to the bottom of this... Have a good day. *
Glad to help where I can,
Exfrogger
(Social Scientist)
*Warning: On matters of mental health, finance, and matters of the heart take the advice of the author at you own peril. Please talk to a qualified mental health professional to see if this advice is right for you. That said, if you do give it a crack id love to know how it all ends...
Neighbour: That exhaust of yours, you've gotta -
JG: Ah, glad you showed up. I'm a bit worried, wondering if you can help.
NB: Umm...
JG: I've seen cars parked on the street and blokes with binoculars just watching your house. Well sometimes there were women too. I went to ask them what they were up to but they just drove off...
NB: Ah, no...
JG: Probably just my imagination. Seemed a bit odd that's all...Sorry, you were saying?
NB: Your exhaust -
JG: Ah yes, its always going to have a bit of a puff on start up, the old ones are just like that. I did a bit of research mostly steam you know, moisture in the exhaust. Still only a fraction of the carcinogens of those bloody Volkswagens! Sure you haven't seen anyone acting suspiciously, I think there's something going on. Honestly this suburb is starting to creep me out. Keep your eye out, I want to get to the bottom of this... Have a good day. *
Glad to help where I can,
Exfrogger
(Social Scientist)
*Warning: On matters of mental health, finance, and matters of the heart take the advice of the author at you own peril. Please talk to a qualified mental health professional to see if this advice is right for you. That said, if you do give it a crack id love to know how it all ends...