Eugene Automotive Exhaust System Repair

Have you noticed strange sounds or smells in the cab of your vehicle lately? Is your engine behaving strangely? Is your car throwing exhaust-related check  engine codes? It might be time to have your exhaust system inspected and, if necessary, repaired. Jackson’s Auto Care in Eugene, Oregon has the tools, parts, and experience necessary to repair your exhaust system.

Exhaust System Components- Eugene, Oregon

Automotive exhaust systems exist to expel combustion byproducts from the cylinders and into the atmosphere. Without a properly-functioning exhaust system, your vehicle may experience problems ranging from a decrease in performance to outright failure to start. Knowing the various components of an exhaust system and the problems associated with their failure will help you explain your suspicions to the AAA-certified mechanics at Jackson’s Auto Care in Eugene, Oregon.

Exhaust Valves

Exhaust gasses start their journey out into the atmosphere within the cylinder head. The sweep of the piston through the cylinder bore during the exhaust stroke pushes exhaust gasses through the open exhaust valves. During the compression stroke, when air and fuel fill the combustion chamber, the exhaust valves must form a tight seal in order to prevent this mixture from entering the head. A failing exhaust valve can cause backfiring, sluggish acceleration, rough idle, and poor gas mileage.

Exhaust Manifold and Gasket

After being pushed through the head, the exhaust gasses travel into the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold gasket forms a seal between the exhaust manifold and the rest of the engine. When the exhaust manifold fails, you may notice a loud ticking, tapping, or hissing noise, along with a burning smell, decreased performance, and bad mileage. The exhaust manifold gasket is the most common failure point in this region of the exhaust system, though the exhaust manifold itself might also develop a leak leading to similar symptoms.

Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter transforms harmful compounds in the exhaust into more benign substances. It is usually mounted as close to the exhaust manifold as possible. Over time, the catalytic converter can become clogged with soot or fall apart entirely. The symptoms of a failed catalytic converter are similar to those produced by a failed manifold or gasket, but might also include (where applicable) the inability to pass an emissions check.

Exhaust Pipe and Muffler

The exhaust pipe and muffler are the most exposed parts of your exhaust system. Leaks in your exhaust pipe might cause a smell similar to raw gasoline entering the cab. It will always cause a loud, strange noise that might range from whiny to booming, depending on the extent of the damage and the type of engine a vehicle has. Mufflers can spring leaks as well. And, just like a catalytic converter, they become clogged with soot over time.

Exhaust System Repair in Eugene, Oregon

If you think your car is displaying symptoms that might indicate an exhaust leak, give Eugene, Oregon auto repair shop Jackson’s Auto Care a call today. They will assess your problem and solve it so you get back on the road and back to business.