Orange sparks coming out of Exhaust – Turbo Deisel

[Edward]

Hi guys,

I’ve just received a text off a friend saying he has orange sarks coming out of his exhaust, what could it be?

I’ve replied that fuel is possibly still being burnt in the exhaust, heating up metal particles (loose rust) and blowing it out.

I thought about carbon particles burning off but I don’t think carbon produces an orange glow/spark or does it?

Anyway I thought I’d throw this one open to the floor!

Any other ideas?

Kerb

(I’ve not seen the car, so I have no other information, this is just a brain storm but hopefully I’ll get back to you with the result)

Topic

[Edward]

I think I’ve found the answer to my own question

http://www.chalwyn.com/tenants/amot/documents/br_ch_spark_arrestors_0412%20Rev3.pdf

[college man]

Its carbon burning off. It happens at Idle.

[Edward]

It does happen at idle, I’ve never noticed it before.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Yea, it does look like you’ve answered your own question. I believe diesels sometimes have that issue. I think it’s because of the soot that get’s into the exhaust. With enough heat, the soot can ignite and cause the sparks you see. I’m not sure but I wonder if passenger vehicles use those spark arrestors.

[Edward]

I wondered the same thing considering that I’ve never noticed this before, as in ever. I’ve not even noticed while driving or as a pedestrian looking at other peoples cars on the road. Possibly something built into modern exhaust systems?

I can imagin that sparky exhausts are popular in fuel stations!

[EricTheCarGuy]

Not to mention areas like southern California. To that point, I did find this.

http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/html/03511307/03511307.htm

[Author]

Replies