Any vehicle that uses gasoline or diesel has an internal combustion engine. The two engine types may function a little differently such as the gasoline engine’s need for a high voltage spark to ignite the fuel, but both of them require some method of channeling the exhaust. This is the function of the Exhaust System and it begins at the exhaust manifold. Each bank of cylinders on the engine will have a manifold and its primary function is to burn any unused fuel before sending the fumes to the exhaust pipe. The manifold on a gasoline engine may also have an oxygen sensor that is used for efficiency purposes.
Modern automobiles use a catalytic converter next to change the exhaust into carbon dioxide and water. Converting these noxious fumes can leave residue that builds up in the converter. It can also be affected by the extensive heat that this component generates. If the converter fails, then it can affect the way the engine functions including preventing the motor from running at all. Replacing the converter can be a little expensive, but they are required on any vehicle that came with one originally because they help reduce pollution.
Next in the process is passing the exhaust to the muffler. As its name implies, this device is used to reduce the noise that is caused by the explosions inside the cylinders. A Muffler in the Exhaust System is usually located close to the end of the pipe. They are usually round or oval shaped and work using fiberglass or a series of baffles to muffle the noise. High-end mufflers use both techniques. Like the rest of the exhaust, the muffler gets hot and this can cause rust to occur if it frequently gets wet.
Corrosion is the biggest cause of exhaust pipe and muffler failure. Rust can be caused by moisture inside the exhaust or outside of it. For example, driving the vehicle for a lot of short trips may cause rust because the exhaust does not have enough time to heat up and evaporate any water vapor inside it. Road salts and grime can also cause rust, especially on the thin walls of the muffler. Once the corrosion eats through the metal, the only reliable repair is replacing the damaged parts. Learn more from expert mechanics such as those found at website. You can also follow them on Twitter.
