Catalytic converters basic is an important part of your engine emission system. Vehicles made before 1975 must be equipped with a catalytic converter. This was started thru the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] by the Nixon Administration which later required that all vehicles must come outfitted with a catalytic converter with few exceptions. In essence, how does a catalytic converters work? In layman’s language, When your engine is running and burns fuel, it produces gases that pollutes the environment. If not treated correctly, these same gases will exit through your vehicle’s tailpipe and damage the environment responsible for global warming.

In 1970, the EPA was established to monitor gas emission standards and mandated all vehicles were to come equipped with this catalytic converter. When placed line between the exhaust manifold and the muffler, all exhaust gages are treated chemically inside this apparatus before releasing to the atmosphere. This done thru pellets inside the converter which transform detrimental gases into harmless gases before they exit the tailpipe and go out into the open air. As you can see, a properly working catalytic converter is indispensable toward preserving air quality standards.

Here are important catalytic converters basic to check before it fails:

Rusted or broken converter body or end tubes.

Engine long starts and at the extreme, will cause stalling after the engine has warmed up.

No rattle detected in a converter housing when hit with rubber mallet (If the converter doesn’t rattle, the pellets may have melted together or fallen out).

An oxygen sensor code will usually display in your diagnostic scanner if the catalytic scanner efficiency is going down.

High gas consumption because the engine cannot breathe. In worst cases, frequent long engine starts occur including stalling while driving.

If you see evidence of any of these signs, then you must replace your catalytic converter right away. If you don’t, you will fail the emission “smog” test besides the inconvenience of having an engine problem like prolong cold starts.

TIPs:

A lot of times on newer engines, a failed catalytic converter will be displayed in your check engine light which will be shown when the oxygen sensor is not working. The sensor is usually located after the exhaust catalytic converter pipings.

Just remember this catalytic converters basic and if you keep this exhaust component in top shape, you will have a clean burning engine that is pollution free and fun to drive.

Thanks!