You do not need a mechanic to fix common car exhaust problems. It is important to catch exhaust problems early because if the exhaust system goes unchecked, it can lead to engine problems since the exhaust system’s purpose is the removal of harmful elements from engines. Another problem is that if you do not catch exhaust problems early, the car will release dangerous carcinogens into the air.
To diagnose exhaust problems, begin by searching for cracks and fissures overall exhaust system. If you suspect pipes are corrodes, poke them with a screwdriver. If it gives in, replace the section or the whole pipe. If the muffler is not solid and shiny, it needs replacing. The smoke should only exit through the tailpipe.
If the problem is not too progressive, it can be remedied by using a sealant. Since exhaust fumes are odorless and colorless, they pose a lethal threat since they affect the driver’s perception and judgment and it is the main reason you should check for these cracks.
A of the common car exhaust problems is hissing or popping noise from the engine. This is an indication that the pipes or the muffler are leaking. 4-cylinder engines usually have harmonic resonance because of exhaust problems and this produces a buzzing noise. You can remedy noise problems by tuning the system to dampen the noise. This car’s user manual has information on how this can be done. If there is still some noise, you can install a resonator or a second muffler. These silence certain frequencies coming from the exhaust.
Another of the common car exhaust problems is exhaust restriction. You probably have exhaust restriction if your car is losing power or if you are using too much fuel. The major cause for exhaust restriction is crushed or damaged piped, bafflers that have collapsed inside a resonator or a muffler, or a catalytic converter that is plugged. To remedy this car exhaust problem, you need to solve the root of the problem such as unplugging the catalytic converter if the problem is a plugged catalytic converter. To determine if you have an exhaust restriction problem, read your engine’s manifold vacuum when the car is idle. In most vehicles, this figure should be over 18 inches.
Another of the common car exhaust problems is exhaust backpressure. You should not wait until you have a serious problem to take action. You should measure the exhaust backpressure regularly. One way of doing this is measuring it replacing the check valve of the air pump with a pressure gauge. The exhaust backpressure should be below 1.5 psi. Anything above 3 psi signifies restriction problems. Another option is removing the exhaust manifold’s oxygen sensor and replacing it with an adapter on which to mount a pressure gauge. However, this will only tell you whether you have a problem, but it will not tell you where the problem is.
A plugged converter is a common car exhaust problem. To find out if you have this problem, hold a light at one of the ends and if you do not see it on the other, then you have a plugged converter. This problem is usually caused by leaky exhaust valves or ignition misfire. To remedy this problem, replace the plugged converter. There are many other car exhaust problems and you should research on them the moment you purchase your car.
