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When the mechanics at your F & F Tire World Auto Service Center
inspect your vehicle's exhaust system, here's what they see.
Exhaust Manifold:
As burned gases leave the engine cylinder, they pass into the
exhaust manifold. Made of cast iron to withstand extremes in temperatures,
the manifold usually does not require service.
Heat Riser (or Heat Control Valve):
The heat riser, located in the exhaust manifold, restricts the
exhaust gases during starting and warm-up periods. This, in turn,
helps generate heat more quickly to vaporize the fuel during cold
starting. The valve should be checked and lubricated periodically
to make certain it is free.
Exhaust Piping:
The exhaust pipe carries the exhaust gases to the catalytic converter(s),
muffler(s) and other pipes. Pipes may be aluminized steel, using
single or double-wrap construction. Double-wrap is more effective
in reducing noise. Piping and connections should be inspected
for rusted out areas and damage.
Catalytic Converter:
Catalytic converters change harmful pollutants in the exhaust
into harmless gases.
In operation, these gases pass over a large surface area coated
with a catalyst. (A catalyst is a material that causes a chemical
reaction without becoming part of the reaction process.) Because
this process creates additional heat in the exhaust system, special
heat shields are used to protect the underbody of your vehicle.
Under proper conditions, a converter has a long life, and will
last 50,000 miles or more provided it is not exposed to leaded
fuel or damaged in other ways.
Exhaust Muffler:
The muffler dampens the exhaust sound of the engine. Mufflers
generally are one of two basic designs: Reverse Flow or Straight-through.
The Reverse Flow Muffler uses a series of baffled chambers to
reduce the sound. This usually has a double-wall construction
and is coated for increased service life.
The Straight-through Muffler design is a single, perforated type
surrounded with two layers of fiberglass to dampen sound. As the
name implies, the exhaust gas travels in one end straight through
and out the other.
Mufflers may be made of ceramic coated steel, aluminized (coated
with aluminum) steel, or made partially or completely of stainless
steel to insure long life. An inspection will reveal any damage
or rust deterioration that could cause leaks in the muffler or
connections.
Resonator:
A resonator is another type of muffler. Most of the noise from
an exhaust system is sound vibration. Resonators provide additional
sound protection by absorbing excessive sound vibration.
Tail Pipe:
This is the tube that carries the exhaust gases from the muffler
or resonator to the rear of the automobile. Tail pipes come in
many shapes and sizes. The pipe is supported by a series of hangers
that allow the exhaust system to flex and move during driving;
these hangers should be checked for broken parts.
Brackets and Hangers:
Joint clamps and support brackets of various types are used to
join and support the entire exhaust system. Many of these are
flexible, to allow for movement of the system during driving.
All should be inspected regularly for damage.
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