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The Emission Control System:
5 signs you may be destroying your catalytic converter!
Having to replace your catalytic converter can cost you hundreds of dollars but failing to replace a bad converter can cost you even more. However, there are things you can do to extend the life of your converter and increase the safety and well being of your vehicle at the same time.
1. Oil or Coolant burning during the combustion process
If it looks like your vehicle is emitting more exhaust than normal and it either looks a bluish color or has a whitish-gray tint, you are likely burning oil or coolant in your engine. Not only will your engine create more carbon deposits than normal, but small amounts of oil or coolant may make it to the catalytic converter where it is burned. Either way, over time, the increased carbon deposits can coat the inside of the converter and reduce its ability to function properly thereby increasing toxic emissions, but it can also cause fuel consumption to increase.
Moreover, as the deposits increase, they can gradually restrict the flow of exhaust through the converter and create a condition known as back pressure. The exhaust system is responsible for venting gases, but it also helps get rid of heat generated during the combustion process. The rise in back pressure reduces the venting of heat and can actually cause the engine temperature to rise and damage parts. If back pressure become significant enough it can actually cause your engine to stall.
Common causes of oil or coolant leaks into the engine are blown head gaskets, worn piston rings, faulty valve guides or seals
2. Too much fuel entering the combustion chamber
When an engine is in tune and all of the parts and systems are working properly, all of the fuel should be burned in the engine during the combustion process. However, if too much fuel is added, there will likely be trace amounts that aren’t burned and pass on through the exhaust manifold and converter. As we mentioned, the catalytic converter is naturally extremely hot, and the addition of fuel only makes it hotter. As soon as the fuel comes into contact with the converter, it will ignite. As a result, the temperature may exceed the manufacturer heat limit and actually cause the catalytic core to melt.
Common causes of excess fuel entering the exhaust system are defective oxygen sensors, a leaking fuel injector, incorrect air/fuel mixture, faulty fuel pressure regulator, incorrect timing, or an ignition fault
3. Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor
Most vehicles have an onboard computer system that allows the vehicle performance to be adjusted on the fly. So called engine management systems can adjust the air/fuel ratio to increase performance. However, to make adjustments, the computer has to know how efficiently the engine is burning fuel.
That’s where the oxygen sensors (O2 sensors) come in. O2 sensors measure the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust. Depending on the reading, the engine can increase the amount of fuel entering the engine. However, a malfunctioning sensor will send incorrect information to the computer and cause the engine to receive too much or too little fuel. Too much fuel can cause the converter temperature to rise to dangerous levels and cause the converter core to melt. Too little fuel can cause a misfire.
Follow your manufacturer recommendation for service and replacement
4. Broken exhaust hangers
Broken exhaust hangers not only can cause your exhaust to rattle and bang around when you go over bumps, but it can actually cost you money, here’s why:
The inside of the catalytic converter is made of a fragile ceramic honeycomb part called the catalytic core. When the exhaust system starts banging around, you run the risk of causing the core to break. Once the catalytic core breaks it will continue to break into smaller and smaller pieces until it eventually starts to block the exhaust flow.
The exhaust system is responsible for venting gases, but it also helps get rid of heat generated during the combustion process. The rise in back pressure reduces the venting of heat and can actually cause the engine temperature to rise and damage parts. Frequent symptoms of a clogged exhaust system: loss of power, hard starting, or the sound of air leaking under the vehicle.
5. Out Of Tune Engine
For optimal operation, the engine requires a specific amount of air and fuel. In addition, the ignition system must operate properly. If any one of these systems is out of adjustment, then the catalytic converter can become damaged.
Routine service is important to maintain the your vehicle and prevent other problems from emerging. Consult with your owner’s manual for the recommended service guide. Tune-ups can increase fuel efficiency by as much as 15%. |
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Introduction
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When Parts Go Bad
Glossary
Article Pages
1. Emission Control
2. Types Of Pollutants Created By Your Engine
3. 6 Ways In Which Emissions Are Reduced
4. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
5. Air Injection And Catalytic Converter
6. Evaporation Emissions Control Systems (EVAP)
7. Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
8. Automotive Emissions Wrap Up
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