Does a rotted muffler cause really low mileage per gallon?
Asked by Luis Dec 18, 2015 at 01:13 PM about the 2005 Dodge Caravan
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I went through 10 miles and the Gage went down to half a tank I should reset
the trip on the dash. I all ready had the fuel pump replaced and also I ha 've
an antifreeze leak issue that only leaks at high tem ( pressure) could that play
a part. It's an 05 caravan with 66k on it. Any input would help thanks
3 Answers
Muffler no but catalytic converter yes. Don't confuse the two. A rusted, muffler full of holes will cause excess noise, but a cat that is plugged or partially plugged will cause all kinds of problems
But ½ tank in 10 miles? WOW... especially with that low mileage, the 66k I mean on car. That is -- relatively speaking, a low mileage engine. But if you live somewhere they salt roads, that is very corrosive and the salt is a safety thing.... it's a trade off between getting ice thawed to make the road safe and causing rust prematurely on your car.
I am not sure it is possible to use half a tank in 10 miles. I would look for a fuel leak. The muffler would have little to do with mileage but like Ford says a bad catalytic converter will.
