Car Care

Buying a New Catalytic Converter?

Posted: 3/31/2011

First Fix the Issues That Damaged the Original One

(NAPSI) - You need a new catalytic converter.” That’s certainly not good news for any vehicle owner, since converters are fairly expensive to replace. However, the job can become even more expensive if your service provider doesn’t fix all of the issues that damaged the original unit.

“Catalytic converters contain no moving parts, so when they fail there is usually another problem that has triggered the failure,” explains Joe Bacarella, an ASE L1 certified master technician who is also technical assistance manager for Tenneco Inc., one of the world’s largest converter manufacturers. “Unless you resolve those issues before investing in a new converter, you’re probably going to end up with the same complaint down the road.”

Catalytic converters help to clean up poisonous gases produced by internal combustion engines. These gases are fed into one or more converters beneath most vehicles. As the gases flow over a layer of precious metals within the converter, a chemical reaction changes them into carbon dioxide and water vapor.

The most common types of converter failure are “poisoning” by antifreeze, certain engine oil additives and chemical sealants; coating or fouling related to carbon buildup within the engine; oil in the exhaust stream or the use of an improper fuel; internal melting caused by excessive pollutants in the exhaust; and structural damage from a hard impact. Note that all but one of these failure modes is related to the engine’s operating condition.

To ensure a lasting repair, ask your technician to explain what damaged your original converter. If he or she can pinpoint the root cause and assure you that it has been corrected, chances are you’re getting a comprehensive repair.

For more information on converter design, operation and troubleshooting, visit www.walkerexhaust.com.