Anyone know anything about car exhaust systems?

[Chicago526]

I own a '98 Saturn, and for a while now I've needed to replace the exhaust system (the whole thing, not just the muffler). DH did it for me last night! We just ordered the parts and he installed them (much, much cheaper than having it done!).

He got finnished late last night, so I didn't drive it until this morning. It's louder than ever! The only improvement is that it does't rattle anymore, since the bracket that holds the muffler is now fixed (it was broken before). DH said that it will get quieter as I drive it. But it's so loud it sounds like I don't have a muffler at all. What gives? DH has been working on cars since he was a teen, but this doesn't sound right.

Anyone have any ideas what could be causing all this noise? I'm stuck at work until 5:30 tonight and DH leaves for work as soon as I get home, and I won't see him until Saturday morning (he works nights and is picking up overtime, so he just sleeps at work).

 

[wdw4us2]

The only thing I can think of is that there might be gaps between the flanges - like where the muffler meets the exhaust pipe or where the pipes come off the engine manifold. You have to make sure there are gaskets between the metal and that they are tightened down with a torque wrench.

If your DH knows about cars, he probably already did this.

 

[Chicago526]

The only thing I can think of is that there might be gaps between the flanges - like where the muffler meets the exhaust pipe or where the pipes come off the engine manifold. You have to make sure there are gaskets between the metal and that they are tightened down with a torque wrench.

If your DH knows about cars, he probably already did this.

Thanks. I spoke with DH over the phone. He said he didn't think it was that loud I told him YES it's that loud, it sounds like I don't even have a muffler! It's coming from the front of the car, not the back. He said the only thing he can think of is that there is a hole in the manifold (whatever a manifold is) and he'll look at it again on Saturday.

If anyone else has any ideas, I'm all ears! I'll pass on any tips to DH.

 

[tmt martins]

DH might have got you a high flow system ,It will be louder like a race car .Have someone look under the car from a safe distance and see if they see any smoke comeing out from under the car .It should all be comeing out the Tip only.