Exhaust System Fundamentals

  An exhaust system quiets engine operation and carries exhaust gases to the rear of thevehicle. Typical parts are as follows in an exhaust system.

    Exhaust manifold - connects the cylinder head exhaust ports to header pipe

    Header pipe - steel tubing that carries exhaust gases from the exhaust manifoldto the catalytic converter or muffler

    Catalytic converter - device that removes pollutants from engine exhaust

    Intermediate pipe - tubing sometimes used between the header pipe and muffleror catalytic converter and muffler

    Muff l er - metal    chamber  for  damping  pressure  pulsations  to  reduceexhaust noise

    Tailpipe - tubing that carries exhaust from the muffler to the rear of car body

    Hangers - devices for securing the exhaust system to the underside of thecar body

    Heat shields - metal plates that prevent exhaust heat from transferring intoanther object

    Exhaust system clamps - U-bolts for connecting parts of the exhaust system together

    When an engine is running, extremely hot gases blow out of the cylinder head exhaustports. The gases enter the exhaust manifold. They flow through the header pipe, catalyticconverter, intermediate pipe，muffler, and tailpipe.

    Many header pipes are connected to the exhaust manifold by a spring-loaded coupling.The coupling compresses and holds the seal between the exhaust manifold and header pipe.This design allows the engine to move on its motor mounts without moving the exhaustsystem and damaging the seal.