what are some common problems that are possible in a car exhaust system? how can they be repaired? how can the exhaust system be maintained? (to prevent problems) (i.e. checking stuff, putting some kind of filter, or fluid etc.)
There are many problems that could go wrong with exhaust systems. They just naturally corrode over time. If you live in an area where there's a lot of snow, you then have the salt additive added to the equation. So these systems rattle lose over time and or rust to death. Fixing them and repairing them using liquid metal is a temporary fix, because that stuff never lasts forever. So the most logical suggestion I would have for you is a stainless system, which are mostly seamless. The less joints you have the less places there are to fall apart. These systems, while more expensive, usually carry a longer warranty and also last longer. They are made of stainless steel, which tends to just get a little oxidation on it rather than rusting quickly. Thus, you put on the stainless system, but have it coated with a heat resistant rubber coating and you've got an everlasting exhaust. Pretty much look to replace your car before your exhaust ever again if you do this. Unless you own a Hondathose things run forever.
Not much. There is no maintainance on the exhaust system except maybe for the rubber hangers that hold up the exhaust. Sometimes in older vehicles, oil leaks from the engine might pass through to the exhaust (unusual oil smell) and clog/damage the oxygen sensor that is connected to the exhaust. Depending on the actual exhaust material, this might damage the muffler itself. There is no actual schedule maintainance for the exhaust system.
As stated before, the catalytic converter is designed to reduce emissions on the gasoline engine. These parts also create back pressure on the engine. With factory manifold (s) on the actual engine, to run straight pipes will improve performance by about 5% or less, depending on the age of the vehicle! Performance car builders of the 80's found that by adding hearers and a tuned exhaust with less flow restricting mufflers and increasing the inside diameter (ID) of the exhaust pipes, the need to run open exhaust (straight pipes) was no longer needed, and a lot cheaper for the street/strip cars! By removing too much of the exhaust system, you may damage your engine. I do guarantee that every cop in the city and the local judge will love you! You will get tickets for Excessive t Noise! The dB limit for a car that is liquid cooled is different that those that are air cooled like the VW Beetle before 1975 the Corvair for the mid 60's ache models! My advise is if the exhaust is in need of repair, have it done, then you'll not have legal problems. Mind you that even though this is a mechanical condition, Insurance companies do check hoe many tickets you get, and adjust the premium accordingly!
