The situation when the catalyst (a device for reducing the toxicity of vehicle exhaust gases) fails is familiar to almost every car enthusiast. But preventing such situations and distinguishing a problem from many others is not easy for a non-specialist. This is mainly due to the fact that few car owners are familiar with the principle of operation of the neutralizer. Also, not many people know that you can easily sell your old converter and find out the Ford catalytic converter scrap price on the Avtocatalyst website.
This structural element is an integral part of the exhaust system of any car: it ensures that the vehicle’s characteristics comply with emission standards. In this material we will try to talk about the main symptoms of malfunctions, causes of failure, testing options and the main features of breakdowns of this spare part.
How to recognize a malfunction
On cars with modern diagnostic systems, it is easy to determine that the converter is clogged by the signals of the CheckEngine indicators located on the dashboard. But the sensors do not operate if the blockage occurs gradually and there are no noticeable deviations from the standard indicators of oxygen concentration in the system. And sometimes the indicator lights up when the sensor wires are broken, although the autocatalyst is functioning properly.
It is more reliable to monitor the condition of the part, focusing on the following warning signs:
- The starter works worse. The engine starts hard and often stalls.
- The maximum (actually achievable) speed of the vehicle decreases.
- Engine power drops noticeably.
- Gasoline and oil consumption increases.
- It is more difficult to press the gas pedal.
- Acceleration is weak when starting at traffic lights or while overtaking.
The more clogged the part is, the more difficult it is for the piston group to push through the exhaust gases that settle in the cylinders. Exhausts do not allow the fuel-air mixture to fully fill the combustion chamber. This explains the increase in fuel consumption with a decrease in engine power and deterioration in car dynamics.
What is the reason?
Common causes of premature failure are:
- The use of low-quality fuel, which increases the load on the converter and often burns out completely only in the exhaust manifold. As a result, carbon deposits form in the roller, it overheats and melts (the destruction of one cell leads to a rapid deterioration in the performance properties of other cells).
- Defects in the engine, exhaust system, power system.
- Rapid wear of parts such as oil rings and valve caps.
- Sloppy driving, especially on uneven road surfaces, as well as frequent idling in traffic jams.
Features of the design of the part are too small, quickly clogged cells. The easiest way to identify and eliminate specific causes is through regular vehicle diagnostics.
How to check?
Common ways to determine whether a car’s converter is clogged or not:
- Dismantle the working unit and inspect for signs of clogging. If the honeycombs are “clean”, a directed beam from a flashlight will easily pass through them. The method is effective if the design of the car exhaust system is quite simple and the “stuck” fastening can be removed using a grinder. Check the exhaust pipe at idle speed using a glove. If the hole is closed, strong shocks will be felt during normal operation of the unit.
- Measure the pressure in the exhaust manifold: install a pressure gauge instead of one oxygen sensor and take readings, changing engine operating modes. The norm is considered to be no higher than 0.3 kgf/cm² at 2.5,000 rpm. Again, the method is feasible if the sensor can be removed from the outlet manually.
Experts recommend that motorists carefully monitor the condition of the neutralizer and take timely measures to eliminate identified problems.
