The plenum on a car is the area above the throttle body. It is used to smooth out airflow coming in through the throttle body. The plenum has vanes which are known as butterflies or throttles. They can be closed, partially open, or fully open to control the volume of air that goes into the engine. When these vanes are opened it allows for more air to flow in at a given time and opens up an additional path for air to go if any one of these paths is blocked.
What does it do? The purpose of the plenum on a car is to provide intake air that flows smoothly into your motor when you step on that accelerator pedal; it provides much-needed oxygen to make combustible fuel react chemically, efficiently producing force (rotation) to turn the flywheel and power your car.
How does it work? The air goes in from the intake hose, enters through the throttle body where a computer detects when to open it up. When you step on the pedal, airflow is allowed in much faster than normal because these butterflies are opened instantly; this allows for more volume of air to enter which creates a slight backflow due to pressure (a vacuum effect) drawing more fuel into that volume of high-velocity oxygen. This gives us that extra oomph we need and want!
What happens if your plenum breaks down or malfunctions? Generally, if there is any sort of blockage in one or more paths, you get reduced engine performance; if one path becomes blocked the others take over partially to compensate. Or if a butterfly malfunctions or gets stuck, engine performance is also reduced.
Plenum Replacement The plenum on a car should be replaced every 100,000 miles due to wear and tear from heat, this replacement will cost anywhere from $200-500 depending on the make and model of your vehicle. In addition to replacing the plenum on the car, you may need other related parts such as fuel injectors cleaned or replaced as well as spark plugs which are all part of normal maintenance costs associated with keeping your car running efficiently for many years to come.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Add comment