Cars have been known to be major contributors to environmental pollution. This is especially true in the case of cars that have fuel powered engines. The catalytic converter is a device that plays a huge role in ensuring that these toxic pollutants are not released into the atmosphere. This is done by converting the toxic emissions into less harmful by-products through oxidation and reduction processes.
While it is an essential part of the vehicle, the catalytic converter is not infallible and can sometimes fail to function as it should.
Causes of Catalytic Converter Malfunction
The catalytic converter can malfunction because of a number of reasons. Some of these reasons include:
Clogging of the catalytic converter
Over a period of time, dust can get deposited in the catalytic converter and block the passage of exhaust fumes. This will lead to the exhaust fumes getting trapped in the pipes with no way to come out through the exhaust pipe. The result of this is that there will be no continuous flow of air in and out of the engine to facilitate fuel combustion and in turn the engine will stop working.
Faulty head gasket cylinder
If your car’s cylinder head gasket is damaged, it can lead to leakage of coolant and unburned fuel into the combustion chamber. The catalytic converter is sensitive to changes in the temperature of its contents. Should this unburned fuel end up burning in the converter, the intense heat may end up melting the metal insides of the converter, therefore impairing its function.
Leaking coolant
Leaking coolant is not an uncommon occurrence in a car. A leak in your coolant system can lead the coolant to find its way into the combustion chamber and then into the catalytic converter. This contamination will also affect the function of the converter and cause significant clogging of the catalytic converter over a period of time.
Worn out engine parts
As a result of friction, engine parts are prone to suffer from wear and tear. This can lead to burned fuel leaking into the catalytic converter and out of the exhaust. This fuel will also cause clogging of the catalytic converter over time.
Signs of a Catalytic Converter Malfunction
There are some immediate signs that you would notice in the event that your car’s catalytic converter is not functioning as it should. These signs include:
The MIL or check engine indicator will come on
A problem in the catalytic converter is bound to affect your car’s engine function. This will trigger the Malfunction Indicator light or the check engine indicator on your dashboard to come on.
A Dead Engine
A faulty catalytic converter will result in air and fuel failing to mix and burn effectively and this will in turn cause your engine to not run.
Very dark smoke from the exhaust
When burned fuel leaks into the catalytic converter, the result normally is that very dark smoke will be released from the exhaust pipe. The dark smoke points to the fuel being burned up in the catalytic converter and this can lead to clogging of the converter.
White smoke from the exhaust
This happens in the case where the coolant is leaking into the engine and burning up alongside fuel. You may also find white residue in the exhaust pipe.
Poor fuel efficiency
If your car suddenly increases the amount of fuel that it consumes to cover the same distance that it normally covers for less, there could also be a problem with your catalytic converter.
Fixing your Faulty Catalytic Converter
Taking preemptive measures to prevent a malfunction from occurring in your car’s catalytic converter is the best option that can prevent further damage. This you can do by taking in your car for regular servicing and tuning. Most of the causative factors of malfunctions in catalytic converters happen over a period of time. By going for regular servicing, these factors can be mitigated in time before the catalytic converter suffers any extensive damage.
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