Exhaust Systems: How Do They Work?
In every car, truck or SUV, you can find an exhaust system. The exhaust system serves a simple purpose: to carry away gases created by fuel burn. Through a series of pipes and parts, exhaust gases are converted from harmful fumes to less harmful gas, which is released into the atmosphere. Performance exhaust systems work the same way while also boosting horsepower, torque and sound. But, to understand your exhaust system better, let’s explain the major players.
Exhaust Manifolds: The exhaust manifold attaches to your vehicle’s cylinder head. It collects exhaust from each cylinder and combines it into one pipe, moving the exhaust process along.
Oxygen Sensor: An oxygen sensor does just what the name suggests—it senses oxygen levels in the exhaust. Depending on what this computer sensor finds, it will add or subtract fuel to correct your vehicle’s air/fuel ratio, making sure you have the most efficient fuel burn. The oxygen sensor is mounted to the exhaust manifold or close to the exhaust pipe.
Catalytic Converters: The catalytic converter plays the important role of minimizing the harmful effects of exhaust. Your vehicle’s catalytic converter converts deadly carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to water vapor and carbon dioxide. Some also reduce nitrogen oxides. This is especially true of performance catalytic converters, which also help your vehicle gain more power over stock setups. You can find your catalytic converter mounted between your vehicle’s exhaust manifold and muffler.
Mufflers: Your vehicle’s muffler plays the simple roll of quieting the exhaust process. For some, that’s a step in the wrong direction. That’s where
performance mufflers come in. They take advantage of the noisy exhaust system and produce mean tones and powerful rumbling—music to the muscle car or hotrod enthusiast’s ears.
Exhaust Pipes: Exhaust pipes work throughout the entire exhaust system to carry exhaust gases to the tail pipe and out into the free-breathing world. Exhaust pipes can include a connecting pipe, flex pipe, tail pipe, elbow pipe, header pipe, intermediate pipe and axle pipe. While your stock exhaust pipes get the job done, performance exhaust pipes are more resistant to rust, plus help you gain more power.
Common Problems With Your Exhaust System
The most common problem with
exhaust systems is corrosion, or rust. Rust is caused by the constant contact pipes and parts have with water vapor. Usually, frequent short trips can exacerbate the problem, as the water never has a chance to heat up properly, and thus has more time to corrode your pipes. Also, if your town salts the roads during winter, your exhaust pipes can rust even faster.
Another fairly common problem with exhaust systems is a failing oxygen sensor. The symptom of a failing oxygen sensor is a decrease in gas mileage, as you’re not able to get the right air/fuel ratio. Usually, the check engine light will come on and indicate that the sensor needs to be replaced.
Common Exhaust System Parts
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