Capt._Chaos
August 23rd, 2005, 20:17
It's common knowledge among drivers & owner-operators that exhaust leaks are not only a D.O.T. violation, but can be hazardous to your health & well-being. Some have coined the name "Silent Killer", as some drivers have died in their sleep from exhaust fumes entering the cab & sleeper when the truck is parked & ambient temperatures dictate that idling the truck for climate control is needed (if no working A.P.U. is on the truck).
Even if a driver does a good pre-trip inspection daily, he/she may not always catch exhaust leaks by simply opening the hood and glancing around. It is advisable to grab a flashlight & look over the whole exhaust system from the turbo to the piping under the cab, and to the base of the stack(s).
Black soot usually indicates an exhaust leak, as does a whine from the turbo that is unusually loud. If you hear more noise than usual when using an exhaust brake, then that means there's a leak too.
Over time, frame-mounted exhaust brackets can loosen and allow the exhaust pipe to move around, eventually causing it to break or have a hole rubbed into it by the bracket, creating a leak. Make sure the exhaust system is not loose, and fix any deficiencies immediately.
If an exhaust leak is found, DO NOT put off getting it fixed, as diesel fumes are deadly!
Be safe out there!
Even if a driver does a good pre-trip inspection daily, he/she may not always catch exhaust leaks by simply opening the hood and glancing around. It is advisable to grab a flashlight & look over the whole exhaust system from the turbo to the piping under the cab, and to the base of the stack(s).
Black soot usually indicates an exhaust leak, as does a whine from the turbo that is unusually loud. If you hear more noise than usual when using an exhaust brake, then that means there's a leak too.
Over time, frame-mounted exhaust brackets can loosen and allow the exhaust pipe to move around, eventually causing it to break or have a hole rubbed into it by the bracket, creating a leak. Make sure the exhaust system is not loose, and fix any deficiencies immediately.
If an exhaust leak is found, DO NOT put off getting it fixed, as diesel fumes are deadly!
Be safe out there!