The exhaust system in your car does three jobs, first it transfers poisonous
exhaust gases from the engine to the rear of the car next, it quiets down the engine
sound while running. Finally, it converts unspent fuel into spent fuel with the
help of a
catalytic converter. The
exhaust system consists of an exhaust manifold, exhaust pipe,
catalytic converter,
muffler
and tail pipe. There are endless configurations of
exhaust systems from the very loud free flow low restriction system to the barley
audible system depending on application and usability.
Exhaust Manifold
An exhaust manifold is used to transfer exhaust gases from the exhaust port of
the cylinder head to the exhaust pipe. Most exhaust manifolds collect between 3
and 6 ports depending on application. The exhaust houses the fuel management system
oxygen sensor. The mounting port for the primary oxygen sensor is located in beginning
section of the exhaust system, before the catalytic converter. The secondary sensor
is locate downstream of the
catalytic converter. These sensors are used to monitor the density of exhaust
gases and relay information to the main PCM controller. The PCM controller processes
this information, along with several other sensor and adjusts fuel air mixture.
Primary Exhaust System
This is a typical exhaust primary system. The function of the primary system
is to transfer the exhaust from the exhaust manifold through the head pipe and flex
pipe to the
catalytic converter. The catalytic converter has a heat shield to protect the
floor board. An exhaust system is held in place by an exhaust hanger. Most exhaust
systems are made of galvanized metal to prevent corrosion.
Secondary Exhaust System
The secondary exhaust system is used to transfer the exhaust front the catalytic
converter thought the muffler and out the rear of the vehicle through the tail pipe.
System Components
Exhaust Manifold: bolted to the cylinder head and is used to gather
exhaust gases from the many cylinder ports to one location where the head pipe
is connected.
Head Pipe: the tube that connects the exhaust manifold with a exhaust
flange and the other end to the catalytic converter
Exhaust Flange: the connector union between the exhaust manifold
and the head pipe
Exhaust Pipe: the pipe that is used to connect the various components
of the exhaust system
Muffler: used to reduce the audible sound frequency developed by the
engine.
Secondary Muffler: sometimes called a resonator the secondary muffler
furthers the sound deadening of the engine exhaust.
Exhaust system hanger: a metal strap connecting the exhaust system
to the bottom of the car. They are usual made with a rubber insulator.
Tail Pipe: the tube that is connected to the muffler that continues
to the back of the car.
The exhaust system is manufactured from corrosion resistant material. The engine
produces water along with the exhaust gases as a natural by product of the combustion
process. This is why a small amount of water and steam is observed coming from the
exhaust pipe when the car is cold. As the engine heats up the water is vaporized
quickly so the moister is not visible.
How Exhaust is Created
Additionally, it is essential to have an exhaust system that moves the potentially
harmful emissions as far from the passengers of the vehicle as possible. Many of
the fumes that exit the engine are quite harmful and can cause complications to
passengers including lightheadedness, blurred vision and even in extreme cases death.
Due to these safety concerns, having a properly working exhaust system should be
a very pressing need for everyone, regardless of emissions laws in your area.
Common Problems
Defects or corrosion in the exhaust system causes exhaust gases to be consumed
causing asphyxiation
After driving long distances the exhaust system can become very hot causing
ignition of dried timber or grass under vehicle
Only Inspect exhaust system when the engine is cold to avoid burns
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