Why Did I Even Have An Exhaust Silencer?

[RATTER15]

So my silencer on my Deisel Berlingo Multispace was blowing with a large hole in it. My vehicle has been adapted with a ramp for loading a wheelchair. This means that the floor pan was altered and needed an exhaust system to be specially made. I couldn't find anybody locally to make this up for me until a mechanic friend reached out and said bring down to me and I will sort it for you. He removed the silencer and replaced it with a straight pipe. So my car no longer has a silencer at all, just a clear pipe. I must say I was a little horrified by this! surprisingly, it made no difference to the engine sound and I was assured that it made no difference to the emissions, so I took it for its MOT and it sailed through. I think it has also improved fuel consumption but to early to be sure. I accept that this wouldn't apply to all cars but on my Berlingo, it has made no difference at all.

[Old_Geezer]

You should send all your mates to your mechanical friend. Maybe they'd save fortune.

[barry1010]

I find that very hard to believe - the conversion is a common one for your vehicle and the OEM silencer is used in the new, remodelled exhaust system.
The exhaust must have the required number of silencers for your specific vehicle to pass the MOT.

[RATTER15]

Believe it or not, it was passed by an ATS mot centre. The examiner commented on the lack of a silencer but added that as it has made no difference to the noise level, he can pass it. Just as my mechanic mate had told me.