Exhaust system
Note: When you check or replace exhaust system components, make sure there is adequate clearance from all points on the underside of the body to avoid possible overheating of the floor and possible damage to the passenger compartment insulation and trim materials.
Attention! Inspect the entire exhaust system and surrounding areas of the body and bonnet for breakage, damage, missing or misplaced parts, broken seams, holes, loose connections, or other defects that could allow harmful exhaust fumes to enter the vehicle's trunk or passenger compartment. Dust or water intrusion into the trunk could be a sign of a problem in one of these areas. Any defects must be corrected immediately.
Muffler
If holes, open seams, or other defects are found upon inspection of the front muffler and pipe assembly, the entire assembly should be replaced. The same procedure applies to the rear muffler. Heat shields at the front and rear muffler as well as at the catalytic converter and connecting pipe protect the vehicle and the environment from the high temperatures of the exhaust system.
Catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without reacting. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). As the exhaust stream passes through the monolith, reactions occur with the catalytic converter. CO and HC react with oxygen in exhaust gases (O2), to form carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O). NOx reacts with CO reduction to form nitrogen (N2) and CO2. A catalytic converter is called a three-way catalytic converter because it simultaneously converts three components of the exhaust gas (CO, HC and NOx) into harmless natural gases.
The catalytic converter can be damaged or ineffective if: the engine burns excessive amounts of oil or if the exhaust temperature in the catalytic converter is too high (exceeds 840°C).
Note: The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded gasoline, otherwise it may fail.
The catalytic material is very sensitive to the effects of a rich or lean mixture, which can cause the temperature of the catalytic converter to rise rapidly. Normal operation of the catalytic converter takes place at a temperature of about 600°C.
The catalytic converter is also sensitive to the use of gasoline containing lead. The use of leaded gasoline can cause carbon build-up in the catalytic converter, which increases resistance to exhaust gases and prevents the catalytic converter from working properly. This causes an increase in exhaust backpressure and an increase in the temperature of the catalytic converter.