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My Engine Is Way Too Loud

If your engine is suddenly extremely loud when you fire up your automobile, Shums Auto Repair advises that someone may have taken the catalytic converter. Unfortunately, this exhaust system part is stolen for its metal. The first time you ignite the engine after the theft occurred, you will hear it roaring loudly. This is an indication that the exhaust manifold is pushing the exhaust into an open space.

Check Engine Warning

The exhaust system sensors expect the exhaust to be pushed into the catalytic converter for treatment. Because this isn’t happening, the sensors will send alerts to the engine control module. The solution to the problem is replacing the converter, which is something the module cannot do. Consequently, it will turn on the check engine light and leave it on until the converter is replaced.

Lurching Acceleration

Before we get into the reasons why you should not drive your automobile, let’s talk about what will happen if you attempt to drive your vehicle. As we mentioned above, the exhaust manifold forces the exhaust into the catalytic converter. It does this using quite a bit of force. Consequently, since the converter is gone, your acceleration will cause your vehicle to lurch forward constantly.

Slow-Speed Sputtering

Another performance problem that you will have is sputtering at slow speeds. The catalytic converter helps control the flow of the exhaust out of the engine and through the exhaust system. Because the converter is missing, the engine will have a difficult time producing the lower end of torque that is needed to drive slowly. Consequently, your engine may threaten to stall until you pick up speed.

Noticeable Exhaust Odors

Now let’s talk about why you shouldn’t drive your automobile. The performance problems aside, we mentioned above that the exhaust manifold is releasing the exhaust out into the open air. This exhaust will rise into the engine as well as into the cabin of your automobile. Consequently, you will notice that you can smell your engine’s exhaust inside the car, truck, or utility vehicle.

Feeling Sick While Driving

You probably don’t need us to tell you this but this can make you very sick. Unfortunately, you are not only inhaling exhaust but exhaust that has not been treated. In other words, the exhaust is full of carbon monoxide and other harmful emissions. This is why you should never drive your automobile if it does not have a catalytic converter. Driving it can make you sick.

Call Shums Auto Repair in Philadelphia, PA, today to set up a service visit for your automobile if you need us to replace the catalytic converter.

Photo by mustafagull from Getty Images via Canva Pro
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