Do you want to know what causes an engine to backfire through the exhaust? Automotive backfire can damage your engine if you don’t take steps at the right time. To protect your expensive vehicles, you should know the reasons behind the backfire and take proper steps to avoid big damage. Here we will talk about the common reasons for backfire through exhaust and how to get rid of it.
What Causes An Engine To Backfire Through The Exhaust?
A backfire means a small type of explosion that occurs when any unburnt fuel is left in the exhaust system. Often you can notice a flame or loud noise during a backfire. So you must be curious why the unburnt fuel is remaining in the exhaust system.
There are several reasons that are responsible for unburnt fuel that actually occurs the backfire. In a car, you will face two types of backfires. Some backfires occur through exhaust and others through the intake system. So when you face backfires, it is important to know where it takes place. Here we make a list of the most common reasons, give a look at it.
Read More: What Causes An Engine To Backfire Through The Intake?
Too Rich Fuel
When an engine gets too much fuel than it needs, it makes a too rich fuel-air mixture ratio. This wrong ratio left extra fuel in the exhaust and cylinder. As a result, the extra unburnt fuel explosively burns and makes a popping sound that backfires.
Besides, if the engine gets low fuel compared to its need, it can occur backfire. The right ratio of fuel and air need to be maintained strictly to avoid this type of backfire. The latest models of cars are controlled via the computer. So this type of mismatch ratio does not happen in the latest car. If you have an old model, you can face this issue.
Read More: 10 Signs of How to Tell if Engine is Damaged From No Oil
Wrong timing
The engine ignition cycle needs to be complete within a particular time. If the cycle is delayed, then ignition is started during the exhaust valve is just opening. But the ignition needs to start when the valve is fully open; otherwise, it occurs backfire. So delayed time or wrong timing of ignition cycle is another vital reason behind backfire through the exhaust.
Defect Distributor Cap
Some models of the vehicle have distributor caps on the spark plugs instead of the ignition coil. Here you find a wire set that delivers the electrical pulse to the spark plugs. When this cap is damaged or leaks, it absorbs moisture inside the cap and creates an electrical spark to the wrong cylinder as well as backfire.
When spark plugs wires or ignition coils are directly connected to the spark plug, the electrical spark splits the path and keeps fuel left behind the cylinder. So, in time of the next spark, it strikes the leftover fuel and creates a backfire through the exhaust.
Read More: What Causes Engine Backfire When Starting?
Defect fuel injection system
Sometimes your vehicle’s fuel injector can be blocked or worn out. As a result, the fuel and air intake ratio can affect. So due to a defective fuel injector, it has a chance of leftover fuel in the engine.
Then those extra unburnt fuels enter into the exhaust and create an explosion that is known as a backfire. It makes a loud sound. You need to replace your fuel injector as soon as possible when you find a faulty fuel injector to avoid engine damage.
Engine Sensor Issue
Every vehicle contains a mass airflow sensor. Basically, this sensor’s job is to measure the amount of fuel intake based on the conditions. If the sensor is defective, it does a wrong calculation and intakes the wrong amount of fuel. As a result, you face an incorrect fuel and air ratio as well as backfires.
Leaks exhaust system
Another vital issue behind the backfire is leakages in the exhaust system. When your car has leaks in the exhaust, it intakes more air in the engine. That increases the oxygen ratio compared to the fuel. As a result, unburnt fuel remains inside the engine. That fuel comes into the exhaust and causes a backfire.
Faulty valve train
The valve train controls the opening and closing of the exhaust valve to intake air and fuel inside the chamber.
If the valve train is faulty and fails to open on time, that causes carbon build-up or other problems. As a result, you may face backfiring and other technical problems. So take professional help if you have a faulty valve train.
FAQs About Engine Backfire Through The Exhaust
How can I know what causes the backfire?
As there are so many causes behind backfires, you need to find out the exact reason to fix them. You can scan your car through a bi-directional scanner to find out the error code. Then compare the code with the manual to know where the problem is.
Is it essential to fix backfire?
You need to find out the reasons behind the backfire and take proper steps to fix it quickly. If you fail to find out the reason, take mechanic help. Otherwise, the engine can be damaged.
Can I fix the backfire?
If you have tools and adequate mechanical knowledge, then you can fix the issues. It is easy to change the sensor or spark plugs. But exhaust leaks or other issues can be tricky to fix. So, stay careful during the fixing.
Final Thoughts
Every car requires regular maintenance and monitoring. If you face any problems, it is important to solve them immediately to minimize the damages. A car backfires is a sign of something wrong in your car. So when you face backfiring, check what causes an engine to backfire through the exhaust?
After finding out the reasons, if you can manage, then fix it yourself. Otherwise, take your cars to an expert mechanic and fix the problems. Taking steps at the right time can save you from lots of damages and extra costs. So, don’t waste your time if you faces backfires through the exhaust.
