Exhaust systems without mufflers are incomplete. It reduces noise, allowing you to enjoy a quieter journey. Clogged mufflers can cause a variety of issues because of many sources, including both external and internal ones.
As a result, we’ve outlined the most frequent causes of a clogged muffler, the indicators to look out for, and the best way to fix the issue. Keep reading to find out more!
Some Common Causalities Of A Clogged Muffler
Here are some common causes that may cause your muffler to clog up-
1) Constant exposure to salt (especially if you live near the beach)
As long as you live near the ocean or often visit beaches, rust is unavoidable. If you often drive on a salt-coated road during the winter months, you may be at risk. Salt will find its way into the food. Even if it doesn’t have an immediate effect on your automobile, the rust it causes will eventually lead to a blocked muffler.
2) Driving Carelessly on Bumpy Roads
Do you have to negotiate a lot of speed bumps when you’re driving? There are potholes on the roads you drive on, aren’t there? Objects on the road (such as a dead animal) can potentially cause damage to your vehicle.
Again, you may not realize it at the moment, but it all adds up over time. ‘ You may find yourself in locations with narrow passageways. Your exhaust system may be harmed by this (especially if you hit the area enough and at a high speed.)
3) Using Wrong Products in Exhaust Pipe
Do you employ bespoke fabrication that the manufacturer does not suggest or endorse? It’s a common source of muffler clogs. Your muffler might become clogged, corroded, or otherwise damaged if you use the improper items on it. The improper product will shorten its useful life and increase the likelihood of harm.
Keep in mind that most mufflers are only good for around seven years. If you are a low-maintenance driver, you should obtain a new muffler after five years. If the aforesaid prerequisites are not met, things will only become worse.
What To Look For Concerning A Clogged Muffler
a) Pay close attention to the sound (You will hear a revving start up.)
It’s not like when the motor begins purring normally and you hear it revving. You’ll hear the engine’s annoyance in the near future. It’s going to sound irritated and downbeat. Due to mucus buildup in the lungs and respiratory system, it’s like having a hard time breathing.
The check engine light may also come on as a result of the automobile silencer malfunctioning in the exhaust system.
It’s possible that this is caused by a variety of factors. involving the presence of a tiny animal or alien item. Even if the example of a little animal is exaggerated, it illustrates the principle.
b) There is an internal blockage (of some kind)
While you’re driving, your engine’s performance will degrade. It’s going to feel slow. You may also discover that you require additional electricity. As a result, additional stress will be placed on the engine and the entire automobile.
c) Unusual Color of Exhaust Gas (Dark)
The exhaust is unable to travel through the tailpipe because of an internal impediment. That means you’ll have to deal with a buildup of dirt in your home. The quantity of dirt that accumulates depends on the severity of the obstruction.
This internal obstruction will cause your engine to generate a black hue. Smoke will be the means of delivery. It’s possible that some of you have a lighter or darker hue of black. Either way, your engine is in trouble.
Where is the muffler located?
Located beneath the car, it is accessible. Using two circular tools attached, you’ll need to discover a pipe with two tools. The catalytic converter and the muffler are the two components we’re referring about. At a very high temperature, it functions (which is another reason why it is not the easiest thing to fix).
Consider inspecting the exhaust connections for looseness. A blocked muffler might sound just as unpleasant (or worse) if there is a fracture in the connections.
Because of this, you should first examine the exhaust connections. Before you do anything further, inspect the clamps, hanger, and brackets. A reputable technician will be able to help you with this.
It’s important to make sure they’re securely fastened. If the exhaust system connections are correctly secured, the issue is not with the exhaust system itself. The muffler is most likely to blame.
Using a mixture of detergent and water, spray the connections while the engine is running to check for leaks. As a result, bubbles will emerge if there is a leak or a loose connection.
If the muffler has only a few minor cracks and holes, you may be able to get away with a simple repair job. You may do it yourself or have your mechanic do it for you if you buy a patch kit. The high temperature of the muffler will cause the adhesive tape to adhere to it.
Will it work long-term?
It’s probably not going to happen. It’s like relying on a backup vehicle to drive you home. You’ll need to get it fixed or replaced as soon as you can. The majority of the time, you will need to acquire a new muffler (depending on how bad the damage is).
It is possible to work around minor flaws (at least temporarily). As soon as possible, major damage must be fixed or replaced. To be honest, most mechanics will not recommend repairing a vehicle that has sustained significant damage. To get rid of it, they’ll tell you to do so. Your mechanic can advise you on what is best to do.
How Do You Fix A Clogged Muffler?
Having a skilled technician work on the car is the greatest answer I can provide. It’s because repairing a muffler is a difficult task. If you don’t know what you’re doing, this is one of the most difficult elements of the automobile to fix.
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However, you can determine if the issue is due to a blocked muffler or a faulty exhaust pipe connection. Exhaust leaks and loose connections may be fixed with a simple repair.
In the end, if you’re determined to give it a go. The degreaser technique is an option. However, if the obstruction is caused by a heavy buildup, this will not help. What you need to do is as follows:
1. Remove the muffler from the Exhaust Pipe first
Remove the muffler from the exhaust system first. Vehicles offer a variety of options for installation. It’s possible to solder a muffler into a pipe, while others are attached using nuts.
To remove a welded muffler from the exhaust pipe, you must cut the connections. However, you will need to weld the muffler into place once you remove the obstruction. So, this isn’t the best solution.
If nuts become stuck, a breaker bar can be used. Penetrating oil can also be used to smooth things out.
2. Prepare a Bucket of Degreaser
Add some degreaser to a bucket, and get started. Using strong chemicals is unnecessary here. Clean the muffler with detergents that are capable of removing oil and heavy buildup from the exhaust system.
This is a risky one, so proceed with caution. Clogged exhaust systems might be worsened by pouring out a muffler that contains a lot of loose foreign material. Only mild oil or carbon-based blockages are covered by this.
Our theory on why engines misfire could be of assistance to you. In the past, we’ve discussed the benefits of tire rotation and how to choose a trailer wheel lock and a tonneau cover.
3. Soak the Muffler in for a Night
Spend the night with the muffler submerged in water. Waiting 24 hours should yield a satisfactory outcome. The muffler can also be shook a few times to speed up the process. Internal buildups will become loose and shrink as a result of this.
4. Drain, Clean & Reinstall
Drain the degreaser’s water securely after letting the muffler soak for roughly a day in it. Make sure the degreaser muffler is dry and remove any water that may have gotten into it during cleaning. Finally, after thorough cleaning and drying, you may put it back into the automobile and observe whether things have improved.
i. Separate the Muffler Outer Housing
When there is no other option than to replace the muffler, another unconventional alternative is to remove the outer casing and clean the muffler’s internals. Here is a step-by-step guide you may use to get started.
The outer housing of the muffler must be dismantled first. Only a few mufflers that come with a detachable housing are affected by this. Make careful you don’t harm the housing when separating it. If you damage it, you’ll have to buy a new muffler.
ii. Remove Build-Up with Scraper
You should now be able to see the blockages inside the muffler after unfolding it. It’s best to use a scraper like a screwdriver to remove the buildup of thick carbon or other materials.
To remove the leftovers, use a brush to clean the muffler and reattach the outer housing after removing the thick materials.
Please note that the methods listed below are not recommended for unclogging a muffler that is working properly. When everything else fails, you might try these techniques to clear the muffler before purchasing a new one. Methods don’t work or individuals make mistakes when using them in the majority of circumstances. So, do so at your own peril.
