The exhaust system was once only used as a means to channel engine fumes and gases out the rear of the vehicle to avoid gases entering the cabin area, and also to reduce engine noise by use of silencers or baffle boxes forming part of the exhaust system. These days however, all modern vehicles also contain a catalytic converter within the exhaust system. The internal honeycomb structure of a catalytic converter can be made of ceramic or a metal foil.
Essentially a catalytic converter will perform at its best when it has more cells per square inch for exhaust gases to pass through, along with more precious metals contained in the mixture that is coated onto the ceramic or metals cells within the CAT. Catalytic converters are highly efficient, especially when new. Most new catalytic converters start out at around 99 per cent efficiency, but drop off to around 95 per cent efficiency after a few thousand miles.
If the efficiency of the catalytic converter falls too low often below 92 per cent efficiency the malfunction indicator lamp MIL , or engine warning light will illuminate. See dashboard warning lights for an example of the warning light.
Efficiency is measured by a lambda sensor, one placed before the catalytic converter and one after. The engine management light may illuminate on the dashboard if there is an issue. All petrol cars manufactured in the UK from had a catalytic converter fitted as standard to comply with harsher emission regulations.
In general, a catalytic converter will last as long as the vehicle, with the average age of a typical car being anywhere between , to , miles. Aftermarket CATS however can tend to be of lower quality and can therefore have less of a lifespan, anywhere from three years upwards depending on the quality. A catalyst converter may however reach the end of its life prematurely if on the receiving end of a badly performing engine. Therefore, what wears out or damages a catalytic converter is external and not an issue caused by the unit itself.
Modern petrol cars are subject to much stricter emission regulations, such that vehicles must be fitted with a catalytic converter from It is a legal requirement that a catalytic converter must be fitted to all petrol vehicles in order to pass an MOT test, if the vehicles was originally fitted with one. Removal of the catalytic converter will almost certainly render the vehicle incapable of obtaining the required legal exhaust emissions for its type, therefore it is illegal to remove the catalytic converter.
Essentially, if your vehicle was unable to pass an MOT test, it is not deemed roadworthy. See MOT test explained for further information. Vehicle emission roadside tests can occur and if a vehicle is found to breach the legal emissions limit, you will be given 14 days to rectify the faults to bring your vehicle back in-line with legal emissions limits.
Unless your vehicle complies with the rectification notice and within the time limit, a Notice of Intended Prosecution NIP will follow. Therefore it is not a necessary part of the MOT test to check the presence of a catalytic converter within a diesel powered car.
Catalytic converters can be expensive. Prices vary considerably depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the brand of CAT purchased and the country or state you reside in.
Thus, we hope that this blog gave you the necessary information about how to gut a catalytic converter without damaging other components of the car.
Remember, the catalytic converter plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of your car. Driving Tips. Maintenance Tips. Car Review. Car Comparison. Industry knowledge. Last updated Jan 08, Create A Flap With Cuts In The Converter Base We recommend you use an ethyne welding torch or a wheel grinder to make at least 3 cuts in a right angle at the base of the catalytic converter.
Check For Leakage Once you run the car engine, the hissing noise, and rattling or extra-echo would let you know about any leakage in the catalytic converter. Endnote Thus, we hope that this blog gave you the necessary information about how to gut a catalytic converter without damaging other components of the car.
Keeping Cars Infestation Free! For example:. Ceramic honeycomb catalyst structure. The oxidation catalyst is the second stage of the catalytic converter. It reduces the unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide by burning oxidizing them over a platinum and palladium catalyst. This catalyst aids the reaction of the CO and hydrocarbons with the remaining oxygen in the exhaust gas.
There are two main types of structures used in catalytic converters — honeycomb and ceramic beads. Most cars today use a honeycomb structure.
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