Catalytic converters are found within the exhaust system between engines and the muffler, and they’re among the last defenses against air pollution from vehicles. They use ceramic-coated beads and different noble metallic components (the catalysts) to convert harmful substances like gas that are not burned and nitrogen oxide to harmless gasses. You can also get the best exhaust parts in your country, just Google, e.g custom exhaust parts UK.
How Can a Catalytic Converter Cause Issues?
Catalytic converters are prone to overheating because of the excessive amount of not burned gas due to a malfunctioning spark plug or defective exhaust valve. A faulty oxygen sensor could lead to excessive heat. In many cars, there is a “cat” situated beneath the vehicle, and as with other components in the exhaust systems, it is also susceptible to damage due to road debris or hitting the curb.
Catalytic Converter Theft
The precious metals we’ve talked about might be a source of attention. Catalytic converters are usually taken away due to the precious metals in them. Converters contain small amounts of platinum, rhodium, and palladium, each of which has significance for metal dealers.
Catalytic Converter Maintenance
The most obvious signs of a poor catalytic converter are:
- Sluggish engine performance
- Acceleration is reduced
- Dark exhaust smoke
- An exhaust smell reminiscent of sulfur, or that of rotten eggs
- Overheated under the vehicle
- The symptoms mentioned above could be due to other emission system components. A technician must know the time to change that catalytic convertor.
The maintenance schedule will assist in delaying this time for as long as you can, typically up to 10 years. Maintaining your emissions, exhaust, and combustion system in top condition can reduce the likelihood of the catalytic converter breaking before its time.
Diagnosing Converter Issues
The converters will go down with others; failure is usually the sign of a larger issue. This is why it’s essential to pinpoint the source and fix it before installing a brand-new converter. The majority of CATALYTIC Converter failures fall within one of three types:
- Thermo-stressed, melted, or damaged converters
- Coated/oil-fouled Substrat
- Structural damage
Overheated, Melted, Or Broken Converters
If there is a malfunction, resulting in an unusually high concentration of CO or HC (in combination with excessive levels of O2) being introduced into the converter will significantly increase its temperature.
- The possible causes for the high HC readings could be:
- Misfires
- Low compression
- No spark or poor spark
- AFR cylinder imbalance
A high load on your vehicle or engine.
- Fuel delivery system or fuel quality
- Sluggish (worn out) O2 sensors
- The back pressure that is too high
Coated/Oil-Fouled Substrate
Catalyst poisoning happens after the conversion is exposed to the exhaust that contains substances that cover the surface of the work and then wraps the catalyst up to the point that it cannot contact and treat the exhaust. The possible causes of the coating or the soiled substrate could be:
- Excessive carbon buildup in the exhaust
- Internal leakage of coolant (head/intake gasket)
- Utilization of gasket sealants that aren’t converter safe
- Excessive oil consumption (burning oil)
- Additives or fuels that are not appropriate (E85 or diesel)
Structural Damage
The main reason for structural damage is road debris hitting the converter. Usually, evidence of impact is evident on the shield of the converter. Other conditions that could result in structural damage:
- Corrosion
- Thermal shock
- Stress fractures and metal fatigue
- Threads of the O2 sensor are stripped
- Flex pipe failure
- Air-gap pipe failure
Engine Issues
If you need to have your engine checked at intervals regularly, you may require an engine tune-up. The detection of a problem that could be affecting your vehicle will be less costly than fixing a damaged component. This is especially true for catalytic converters. They’re always under stress by the engine exhausts, and if unchecked regularly, it could be necessary to replace them sooner rather than later.
Antifreeze And Oil
There’s a reason many people choose to purchase the oil and antifreeze from experts. It’s more complicated than pouring the bottle into your engine. Most of the time, it is the case that these liquids leak into the converter catalytic. The heat from your engine produces carbon deposits when you use this chemical, which can build up and hinder exhaust flow via catalytic converters. This could result in everything from faulty piston rings to a failing converter. This is why it’s more beneficial to have an expert fill up the antifreeze and engine oil.
Blockage
If the issue is not related to the engine, there’s an opportunity that external debris can get into the catalytic converter. This could lead to catalytic converter malfunction, and it’s the first indication to take an experienced eye when you have your exhaust system checked. Small ceramic, metal, or wood fragments could disrupt your exhaust system’s function and result in pressure building into the exhaust system, damaging the muffler. Contact a qualified expert in the field of exhaust systems to inspect your system for any signs of problems beneath your chassis.
