What is a Catalytic converter? What does a Catalytic Convert do? What are the signs of a Catalytic Converter failure? What is the function and purpose of the Catalytic converter ?
Exhaust gases can cause severe damage to the environment and humans. This is why countries have created new exhaust emission regulations. Automobile manufacturers are being asked to be more sensitive to this issue and to produce cars that are less harmful for the environment.
The catalytic converter reduces harmful gas emissions from the car. This is why it is used. The engine produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), as well as nitrous oxides (NOX) and hydrocarbons (HC). Among them, CO and NOX are dangerous gases for the environment and human health. This is where a catalytic converter (catalyst), is used to convert these harmful gases into harmless ones.
The converter contains special ceramic filters that allow each harmful gas to enter a chemical reaction. These harmful gases are transformed into harmless carbon dioxide, water (H2O), and nitrogen (N2) The ECU (Electronic Control Unit), which controls the efficiency of the converter’s operation, has oxygen sensors.
To allow the catalytic converter enter into a chemical react, the exhaust must be at least 400 0C. Ideal is approximately 500 0C. Vehicles with catalytic converters must use unleaded gasoline. If you do not, the catalytic convert will be damaged and may fail due to lead molecules in super and normal gasoline. It is considered safe to use the converter without any impact or user error.
Furthermore, because vehicles with catalytic convertors must use unleaded gasoline for their engines, malfunctions can also be observed in the valve mechanisms of these vehicles. The only area that the lubrication can not lubricate in an engine is the valve head. These parts are lubricated using gasoline’s lead molecules. It is believed that unleaded gasoline is both friendly to the environment, and good for the engine’s health.
Common Catalytic Conversion Faults
Lead poisoning is a common cause of catalytic convertor failure. Leaded gasoline can poison the catalytic converter. The converter can’t do its job if it is contaminated by leaded gasoline.
Another problem is the melting inside of the converter (misfiring). This happens because of the combustion of unburned fuel and the heat released by this combustion. The catalytic converter and exhaust system are not responsible for this. There are many possible reasons for this, but all of them are related to the engine. The catalytic converter is the culprit for the malfunction. Many people believe this error is due to the converter.
The probe lambda sensor may also be defective. This could lead to melting. A sensor malfunction can cause the engine to run with a rich mixture, which will lead to more CO in the exhaust gases. The catalytic converter converts CO gas into CO2 gas. Heat is then released. The monolith will melt if there is more CO than usual.
