If you’ve noticed a loud muffler sound coming from engine by the day, you’re probably wondering what is causing the problem. Engine sounds are always a little scary, and if you’re not a mechanic these sounds are likely a bit overwhelming. There are different types of sounds that can come from your engine, and the type of sound you’re hearing can indicate different problems.
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Why There Is A Loud Muffler Sound Coming From Engine?
Is your car suddenly making a loud muffled sound that’s coming from the engine? If you answered yes, then your car has most likely developed an exhaust leak.
A loud muffler sound coming from the engine usually means that your car has an exhaust leak at the flex pipe or at the exhaust manifold. Don’t worry exhaust leaks are common and will not damage your engine if caught quickly.
Here are all of the exhaust leak symptoms:-
1. The loud muffler sound coming from the engine or somewhere in the front of the car. It might even seem like someone moved your muffler to the front of the car or did a muffler delete. The sound gets louder while accelerating.
2. Loss of power:- The car feels a little more sluggish when accelerating.
3. Reduced fuel economy:- If your MPG (Miles-Per-Galon) has increased, then an exhaust leak might be to blame.
What Are The Various Causes Of A Loud Muffler Sound From The Engine?
In order to answer your question, “Why is my car engine so loud?” here are 5 common reasons.
1. Faulty Muffler:-
The first thing you should look for is a muffler problem. A worn-out or damaged muffler will definitely make your car run louder. Besides the noise volume, other potential side effects of muffler trouble could be poorer gas mileage and increased fumes.
2. Leaking Exhaust:-
When your engine starts to sputter or rumble, a leaky exhaust manifold could be the culprit, especially if you notice that the “Check Engine” signal has lit up. Exhaust leaks are very dangerous, due to both their extreme heat and the hazardous carbon monoxide gas they contain. A leaking exhaust can also play havoc with your engine’s control systems, causing a loss of power, mileage, or both.
3. Worn Engine Bearings:-
When the engine bearings are starting to wear out, they will let you know it, loud and clear, in the form of a constant knocking sound under your hood. This is a fairly urgent problem because if the engine bearings give out completely, the engine is likely to seize up.
4. Engine Needs Oil:-
A noise that sounds like rubbing or grinding will often signal that your engine is low on oil. If you own a newer model car, you may have been relying on the engine oil level monitor to warn you. However, the sensor might have stopped working correctly.
5. Old Torque Converter:-
A failing torque converter will make a noticeable grinding sound when your vehicle is in gear. The issue may result from insufficient transmission fluid or from wear and damage to the needle bearings.
Therefore, some of these reasons might be also responsible for the cause of a loud muffler sound coming from engine.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix An Exhaust Leak?
If it’s just the gasket that’s blown and causing the leak, then you’re looking at around $20 for the gasket and approximately 1 to 3 hours of labor, which would roughly amount to $110 to $330 at an independent shop, depending on how difficult it is to replace.
Exhaust manifolds can cost from $80 at junkyards all the way to $300 for a brand new one. Combine that with new gaskets and bolts, and you might be looking at $140-370 in parts alone. Labor time is different for every model, but will usually take 2-3 hours and cost around $220 to $320.
For parts, a new gasket and new bolts are needed, which would roughly cost $70 total. The labor can be anywhere from 2 hours to 5 or even 8 if things go really south. It really depends on the vehicle model and how competent the mechanic is. You can expect to pay $250 all the way to $800 or more for labor.
Flex pipes cost around $30 to $50 and usually take around one hour to replace, which would cost $90 to $110 in labor.
How To Diagnose A Loud Muffler Sound Coming From The Engine?
Exhaust leaks can appear anywhere in the exhaust system, but the most likely spots for loud muffler-like exhaust leaks under the hood are exhaust manifold gaskets, the exhaust manifold itself, and the flex pipe.
Step 1:-
You need to check the exhaust manifold for leaks. The exhaust manifold can leak in three areas the mounting surface gasket, the downpipe/catalytic converter gasket, or the manifold itself.
Step 2:-
However, if the leak is big enough, a leaky exhaust manifold could produce a rumbly muffler sound instead of a loud ticking noise. Make sure that the engine is cold or don’t touch the exhaust manifold without gloves. The exhaust manifold will likely be covered by a heatshield, so go ahead and remove it to get a clear look at the manifold.
Step 3:-
Once the heatshield is off, try to tighten the exhaust manifold bolts just a bit to see if they are loose. Don’t break them off! If they are loose, tighten them back to factory specs and that should take care of the leak and the sound.
Step 4:-
After you’ve done that, give the exhaust manifold a visual inspection. Look for cracks and/or black sooty spots.
Step 5:-
Lastly, check both exhaust manifold gaskets. You can usually tell if they’re leaking by the black soot that has accumulated around them. Pay especially close attention to the gasket that’s between the manifold and the downpipe or catalytic converter if it’s connected directly to the manifold on your car. Ninety-nine times out of hundred, the gasket between the downpipe or catalytic converter and the exhaust manifold will be the reason for the loud muffler sound.
Step 6:-
You need to check the flex pipe for leaks. The flex pipe is really easy to identify as it has a woven metal fabric shell around it, and underneath it looks like a round accordion. You can easily tell that they’re leaking by the black soot that accumulates on their woven shell. Most of the time, you can even feel an exhaust leak through the flex pipe with your hand while the engine is running.
Therefore, if you’ve followed all the diagnosing steps you’ll easily unmask the real reasons behind the cause of a loud muffler sound coming from engine.
What To Do If There Is A Loud Muffler Sound Coming From The Engine?
If you do hear a loud noise and you suspect it is the exhaust system, be sure to keep fresh air coming into the vehicle and don’t sit in the car while it’s idling.
Fortunately, you can change parts of your exhaust system without having to replace your entire muffler or exhaust system. The smart option is to have your mechanic check your exhaust system as part of routine auto maintenance. This can save you hundreds of dollars. If you detect unusual noises and odors, or a change in gas mileage, always have a specialist look it over.
How To Fix An Exhaust Manifold Gasket Leak?
The following are some steps through which you can resolve the issue of a loud muffler-like sound from engine easily.
Step 1:-
You need to remove the bolts connecting the exhaust pipe and the cat pipe. Also, remove the left front tire and splash guard.
Step 2:-
Disconnect the sensor wiring connectors. and remove the top bolts that connect the cat to the exhaust header.
Step 3:-
Lift the cat out of the bottom bracket and align it in such a way that you remove the bottom bolts that hold the cat bracket.
Step 4:-
Remove bottom bolts and bracket, and a metal gasket will come out with it. And with the bracket removed along with the gasket, you can see/feel the exhaust leak.
Step 5:-
Clean up the exhaust manifold, replace the gasket if it is cracked or if it doesn’t need replacing, and seal it up. Button and torque everything back up.
Step 6:-
Turn the vac back on and check for bubbles. If there are no bubbles, check if there is a crack in the manifold that can be fixed by welding it.
Therefore, if you are looking for some inexpensive ways to fix the exhaust leaks without welding, then you can use the following ways:
1. One way of fixing the leaks without welding is to use exhaust putties, a clay-like thing that you have to push into the crack or the leak, and as it hardens, it feels like steel.
2. Another thing you can try using is a muffler bandage. It is similar to an ace bandage. You have to wrap it around the muffler, and as it seals, it becomes hard.
3. Last but not least, you can also use an exhaust band clamp. You will have to get it over the damaged area, and as you tighten it down, it will seal the crack or leak.
Therefore, these are some steps for the issue of a loud muffler-like sound.
Conclusion:-
We hope the above-mentioned information about a loud muffler sound coming from engine will be helpful to all the readers. If anybody’s doubts persist feel free to comment in the comment section below. We’ll try to solve your doubts as soon as possible.