Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are used to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions before they leave your exhaust system. Some emissions like nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, are mostly not harmful. Even though these may not be harmful, some think carbon dioxide contributes to global warming. There are 3 main emissions a catalytic converter is designed to reduce: carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless poisonous gas, hydrocarbons or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a major component of smog from evaporated, unburned fuel, and nitrogen oxides, a contributor to acid rain and smog.

A catalyst is a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without affecting itself. In a catalytic converter there are 2 different types of catalysts: a reduction catalyst and an oxidation catalyst. The idea is to try to create a structure that exposes the maximum surface area of catalyst to the exhaust stream, while minimizing the amount of catalyst required. The reduction catalysts convert the nitrogen oxide in your exhaust into nitrogen and oxygen. The oxidation catalysts convert the hydrocarbons of unburned gasoline and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water. That is why you sometimes see water trickling out of your exhaust pipe.

Your catalytic converter can become clogged or poisoned. Unfortunately there is no true inspection spot to look and see if it has become clogged. The only way for you to tell is to remove it and check for any change in your engine performance. Your catalytic converter relies on getting the proper mix of exhaust gases at the proper temperature. Any additions to the gas mixture or temperature changes reduce your converter’s effectiveness and life. Using lead gasoline and overuse of certain fuel additives can shorten your converter’s life.

Your catalytic converter can also fail because of bad exhaust valves on your engine or because of fouled plugs causing unburned fuel to overheat your converter. If you press your gas pedal and you don’t go any faster, you might have a clogged catalytic converter. Check to see if your gas mileage has dramatically dropped. This is another sign that you might have a clogged catalytic converter. If your converter is partially clogged, it will limit your actual RPMs to a fast idle. If your converter is completely clogged, it will cause your engine to quit because of the increased exhaust back pressure.

General lack of engine maintenance could cause your converter to fail. You could have excess fuel, oil, or antifreeze entering your exhaust. If you have damaged spark plugs and wires or your oxygen sensor isn’t functioning properly, your catalytic converter could show signs of failure. Even driving over road debris could damage it. The good news is that your catalytic converter should last your car’s lifetime and never fail.

If you do think you have symptoms of a catalytic converter problem with you car, you need to go to the people you can trust. You don’t want to try the installation yourself and face a potential $25,000 fine! Go see Transmission Repair Albuquerque or call them at 505-296-8645. They will properly diagnose your car’s problems and help resolve any issues.