How a Catalytic Converter Works

Описание: Here's what's inside a Catalytic Converter and how it works on your car.

The catalytic converter is located after the exhaust manifold, but before the resonator. Its duty is to convert harmful exhaust gases into less toxic gasses.

The catalyst inside the converter is made of platinum, rhodium, palladium and sometimes gold. These precious metals are very expensive, thus making recovery of used catalytic converters a very viable business. Replacement catalytic converters are also very expensive.

The catalytic converter forms part of a closed loop control system, whereby the ECU targets the air to fuel ratio for optimal combustion and efficiency of the catalytic converter. Often there is a rear oxygen sensor after a catalytic converter that keeps eyes on the oxygen levels coming out, to ensure it is working efficiently.

Running the vehicle too rich can caused too much unburned fuels to go inside the catalytic converter, causing it to combust and overheat. The catalyst cannot convert gases anymore and looses its effectiveness. That's why its important to check out the check engine lights on your car to ensure it doesn't damage anything down the road.

This catalytic converter was removed from a 2001 Toyota Corolla.

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