Trying to diagnosis why my muffle has a hole in it?

Tiny
KENDRA ANDRADA
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 201,000 MILES
My truck started to stall out and I ended up having to restart it and gave it some gas and then I saw a cloud of black smoke. When I got to a safe place out of the road, I noticed that there was a huge hole in my muffler, and I don't know where to start with trying to find out what caused it and how to fix it. I was hoping to get some help. So I can save money and not have to buy another muffler down the road because that one will blow too if I don't get the issue resolved.
Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 4:34 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It is quite possible to have the internal of the muffler collapse or become restricted, that could explain why it was difficult to keep in running. That led to pressure and the blow out.

This type of issue calls for the replacement of the component. So, replacing the muffler would be necessary.

Also, does the engine run better since the muffler blew out?
If so, then you know that restricted muffler is what caused the issue.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-exhaust-systems-work
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Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 10:02 PM
Tiny
KENDRA ANDRADA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I took off the muffler and it still is stalling out. Then I changed the router earlier today and it's still stalling out and tomorrow I am going to be getting a straight exhaust pipe to put in place of the muffler due to the fact I don't have the money right now to buy a new one, but I have noticed I do have a vacuum leak somewhere I don't know where yet. I've been thinking that the catalytic converter has been possibly clogged which I did try to attempt to get the catalytic converter off up by the exhaust manifold but with no success due to I'm not strong enough to get it done.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 AT 12:12 AM
Tiny
KENDRA ANDRADA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Also, I was trying to figure out if maybe my carburetor might not be tuned right maybe, or I also heard that it could be that the timings off which would cause it which a friend of mine did say it sounded like my timing was off, but I don't know how to check that.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 AT 12:14 AM
Tiny
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Restricted catalytic converters can create this issue as well. One way to check it is to check the temperature of the converter at the inlet part and the outlet part. However, this will require the engine to be running, as the clogged converter will have a significant temperature difference between the two spots.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
KENDRA ANDRADA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
And how do I do that?
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
KENDRA ANDRADA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I do have a question do I have to have a catalytic converter or muffler on my vehicle for it to run without as many issues. Could I just do a straight exhaust pipe or will cause me more issues besides being loud?
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 AT 12:22 PM
Tiny
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Usually removing the catalytic converters can make the engine run rough or have rich or lean air fuel mixture. It could run fine depending on if the issue is indeed the converter.
Usually when the converters off you can actually see if the inside of it is good shape.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 AT 11:04 PM

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