There’s a certain level of noise that we all expect to come from our trucks. Engines are loud; there’s no way around that. When you start to notice that your exhaust makes a lot more noise than normal, it usually indicates you have a problem with your exhaust system. This isn’t just an annoying problem; it means there could be damage to your truck that you need to address before it gets worse. What causes a truck’s exhaust to be so loud? Here are some of the most likely offenders for a wide variety of diesel engines.
Your exhaust manifold is the piece of equipment that collects all the gases that your engine releases as it runs. Over time, exhaust manifolds can sometimes start to crack or leak, which lets out those gases prematurely. Not only does this make your exhaust much louder as the gases escape, but those escaping gases are extremely hot. They’re hot enough that they can melt plastic components in your car, and you definitely don’t want them leaking into your truck’s cabin either.
A simpler cause for a truck’s exhaust to be very loud is when the tailpipe has taken some damage or is in poor condition. This can happen a lot with older trucks that aren’t taken care of properly as their tailpipes begin to rust and pit, causing holes that allow the exhaust to escape early. Broken tailpipes like these create a lot more noise than ones that work correctly, but often, you can easily fix these problems through replacements or even welding.
Your entire truck relies on small seals and gaskets to keep everything running smoothly. As you drive the truck over and over, these seals and gaskets degrade to the point where you need to replace them. Old, worn-down gaskets and seals can cause your engine to sputter and create a louder exhaust. Eventually, this problem can cause your exhaust manifold to develop cracks and exacerbate the issue. Make sure that when you need to replace one gasket or seal, you replace all of them at once, or else the issue will shortly return.
Your catalytic converter is an essential piece of your truck, but it’s also sensitive, and its connection can become loose over time. When your catalytic converter starts to fail, one of the first signs is that your exhaust gets much louder than it normally would be. Be wary of a rotten egg smell as well, as this can also signal that it’s your catalytic converter that is the source of the issue.
You can deal with exhaust issues yourself if you know what to do and have the right replacement parts. For GMC exhaust parts that will last, Norcal Diesel Performance can hook you up and get your truck back in working order.
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