Exhaust getting louder and other questions...

I have a 2002 Tacoma Tocoma I bought new. The muffler has been getting louder within the last two years and is now starting to concern me. The sound of the exhaust is not real bad but you can tell its getting louder. The truck has right at 220,000 miles. I intend on keeping the truck for several more years. If I replace the muffler then I intend on paying the extra and going with OEM.
1) However a question is that should I be that concerned with the louder exhaust ?
2) Is there damage being done to the engine for not having enough back pressure ?
3) Lastly should I get my valve adjustment done even though its starts and runs fine ?

Thanks,
Randy

 

Mufflers are wear items, albeit long term.

You need a new one.

 

Is it possible that the catalytic converter is old not doing its job causing a louder exhaust note? Or maybe there's a hole rusted somewhere in your muffler causing an exhaust leak. Over time the hole has gotten bigger causing a louder tone. Sounds like you need an exhaust exam

 

Thanks for all the replies. A muffler shop individual did look at my exhaust and told me its my muffler and gave me a quote for an after market and since then Ive opted for OEM.

2) Is there damage being done to the engine for not having enough back pressure ?
3) Lastly should I get my valve adjustment done even though its starts and runs fine ?

 

I've always held true to the opinion that "if its not broke, don't fix it." I'd say if, as the driver, you feel like its running and driving fine then whats the point of taking it to a shop?

 

Thanks.
So if its starting and running fine then dont worry about the exhaust for now ?
There are no check engine lights of any kind.

 

Oh I would definitely fix the muffler. I thought you meant getting the valve adjustments or getting the engine fixed

 

Great.
Gotcha.
Thanks again.

 

Don't worry, the engine will not be damaged by any muffler or lack thereof

 

Honestly i wouldnt wouldnt worry about it i have a 2.4 and i noticed that myself but just recently got the smog check done and it passed no problems

 

Thanks for all the help.
I thought a louder (12 year old) original muffler could eventually cause engine trouble because it wouldnt create the correct amount of back pressure needed for the engine to run correctly.
I guess if I dont get any check engine lights then I wont worry about it for now.
Some say definitely do change it and some say dont worry about it.
Hummm ????

 

I think the idea is to change it because it will probably continue to get louder but won't cause any harm to your engine if you leave it.

 

if your engine isnt rattling I wouldnt change valve lash....get a new muffler.

 

Change the muffler. Bosal will be what you want to get for an OEM equivalent, however these are not good quality and will not last. I had one for a bit and it got very raspy sounding after a couple of years.. I think the baffling inside the muffler had gotten loose and come apart. I am now running a Dynomax super turbo which basically sounds stock.

The reason I say change the muffler is if you cannot hear other noises going on with your truck associated with wear and tear items, you may be unaware of their impending failure before it's too late. A quieter truck will let you know when something is wrong and won't be covered up by exhaust noise.

 

If you haven't had a valve adjust done I would HIGHLY recommend it. Mine was leaking out of all 4 exhaust valves when I had it done and probably was late. It is recommended every 60k to 90k miles.

Cut the muffler off, back pressure IS NOT a thing, exhaust scavenging is and you don't have that issue.

 

All sounds like excellent advice..
Well explained.
Thanks again for all the help.

 

Its not a race truck, you don't have performance parts on it, so keep it quiet.

 

My truck is loud and has a stock engine, but is a race truck. Loud exhaust allowed?

 

Back pressure is important to help promote torque.
Especially valuable for an off road truck.

But that really has more to do with the tail pipe diameter
then what's placed before it.

Like someone else said...
it's more likely the cat is burning out
and getting louder, rather then the muffler.

I say if it isn't broke
and it doesn't annoy you.
Why waste money replacing it ?

Muffler shops are in it for the sale.
Will sell you something new
even if ya don't really need it.

 

Thanks again for all the help.
I decided not to go OEM but rather ordered a Bosal from RockAuto.
It should be here within the next couple of days.
Im also replacing two idler pulleys that are making a little noise and are loose as well as all three new belts.
All these parts should quiet it down so I can hear the engine better.
Thanks