Volkswagen Beetle Exhaust
Problems of the Volkswagen Beetle Exhaust
Exhaust problems are very common in vehicles, such as the Volkswagen Beetle. A damaged one can interfere with the performance of the car since it wouldn't be able to clear harmful elements from the engine. It could also pose health issues if this problem won't be diagnosed right away. Here are some common problems with the Volkswagen Beetle exhaust that you can troubleshoot on your own.
Loud noises from the exhaust
If you hear loud racecar-like noises every time you step on the accelerator, there's probably a common case of the disintegrating exhaust system syndrome. This is caused by a hole that's somewhere in the exhaust system or a leak. The easiest way to troubleshoot this is to start up the Beetle to listen and tell where the noise is coming from. Check around the engine bay, muffler, and under the car. Also check if there are any holes in the piping that can cause leaks.
Beat the heat
Heat expansion and contraction are common causes of leakage in the exhaust system. Check the exhaust manifold and cylinder head since leaks happen when these two come in contact with each other. If there are paint discolorations or even burns around the ports of the cylinder head, then there's probably heat problem in the exhaust of the Volkswagen Beetle.
Lower than expected
Another way to diagnose the exhaust for problems is by starting the vehicle and inspecting the engine's intake manifold vacuum. Normally, the reading should be more or less 18 inches, but if it's lower than that, there's a restriction in the exhaust.
Checking the effectiveness of the exhaust system
One of the easiest ways to check the effectiveness of the Volkswagen Beetle exhaust is by taking out its catalytic converter and holding it up under a bright light. If the light goes through it, the converter is working well. But if it doesn't, then this needs to be replaced to let the exhaust run effectively again.
Other tips for troubleshooting
Make sure to repair these problems right away because constant leaking of the exhaust can lead to detrimental health issues. If carbon monoxide, which is an odorless and colorless gas, enters the vehicle cabin, it could kill the driver and the passengers.