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Catalytic Converters
A catalytic converter is an antipollution device that reduces the toxicity of emissions on an automotive exhaust system. The converter uses platinum-iridium catalyst to convert toxic pollutants, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances.
500 Questions
How can you know if the catalyc converter needs to be replased?
Asked by Wiki User
The leading cause of a catalytic converter failure is a bad Oxygen Sensor, or ignoring your vehicles poor running condition. So if your vehicle begins to run rough, or the CHECK ENGINE light appears, have the vehicle checked out immediately by a professional technician. Further symptoms of a faulty or failing catalytic converter may include; failing an emissions test, increased engine temperature, bucking and engine hesitation. # Here are just a few of the signs and symptoms of a plugged/dead cat: # Markedly decreased low rpm power, # Engine runs a little hotter than normal at constant cruising speeds, # Exhaust leaks near header that won't seal in spite of new gaskets, # Bucking or hesitation while accelerating, # Cat's exterior surface temp cooler near outlet.
Why does a 1993 Saturn service engine light come on and off at times What is wrong How do you get codes?
Asked by Wiki User
A short cut to check the codes on a 1993 Saturn; locate the code reader connector below the steering column under the dash. Insert a wire or paper clip between the upper right two pins of the connector. (pins are side by side) Cycle the key to the "on" position (engine off). The "service engine soon"light will flash the normal ignition code first -three times example blink - one (pause)....one...two (or code 12) repeat blink -one (pause)....one...two (code 12) repeat for a third time. Then the light will flash the next code> Blink - one...two...three (pause) one...two.. (or Code 32) ????EGR circuit failure???? repeat code 32 two more times. finally after all the codes are flashed the normal ignition code will appear again at the end of the cycle.
Remember each code will be repeated three times.
Some shop manuals have the codes listed in the books
Also I think this trick only works up to 1994 (update: actually to 1995. They went to OBDII in 1996).
Maybe try going to Autozone, they will check your codes for you for free.
hope this helps.
AnswerAutozone can't help you... they will only test I believe 1996 and up.How do you replace a catalytic converter on a 1993 ford F150?
Asked by Wiki User
you cant, unless you have a oxy/acetylene torch take it to a muffler shop they're the pros
Can anyone please tell me if my cat converter needed replacing on my Ford Fiesta 1.25 zetec does it have to be done by a ford mechanic?
Asked by Wiki User
A replacement cat converter is very expensive and it is unlikely the cat needs replaced. Is the engine warning symbol lighting up? If it is the chances are that the sensor on the cat is either dirty or faulty.
The best way to determine if your cat is faulty is to have the exhaust emissions checked this will show if the cat is working properly or not.
A replacement cat can be fitted by any exhaust center, but expect to pay big bucks if you have to replace.
What is an easy way to cut off a catalytic converter?
Asked by Wiki User
It is illegal to remove a catalytic converter without replacing it. Don't cut it off, unbolt it.
Is there a federal law on catalytic converters?
Asked by Wiki User
Yes. All cars made after 1975 are required to have one.
Does bad timing make a catalytic converter get red hot?
Asked by Wiki User
It can, yes. So can a bad fuel mix. Catalytic converters run hot to begin with, and dumping unburnt fuel into a converter can cause problems.
It will mess with the O2 sensors causing premature failure.
It can clog the converters and actually set the converter's internals on fire.
See the related link for more information.
"An engine that is not performing properly, that is not burning all the fuel, will allow unburned or excess fuel to enter the exhaust system. When this excess or unburned fuel contacts the hot core of the converter it will ignite. This constant infusion of unburned fuel will cause temperatures to continuously rise above the designed operating temperature until the core of the catalytic converter will actually melt. Possible causes for the excess fuel entering the exhaust system are an incorrect fuel mixture, incorrect timing, corroded spark plugs, worn and cracked ignition wires, improper fuel pressure, a faulty oxygen sensor, sticking float, faulty fuel injector or a malfunctioning check valve."
What is the life expectancy of a duramax diesel motor?
Asked by Sledneck151
The lifespan of these engines depends on a variety of factors. To date 4-12-08 Trucks have accumulated mileage in excess of 700,000 miles without major engine work.
200-300,000 miles is very common. Similar V-8 configurations have lasted 1.5 million miles in transit vehicles (buses).
How do you unclog a catalyt converter?
Asked by Wiki User
You can't, it has to be replaced. It can be done easily and fairly cheaply by almost any muffler shop. Converters don't clog or wear out if engine is running efficiently. Look at other potential issues as well to avoid a repeat with new one. Running too rich is almost always the cause for a convertor failure, but you should not be running that rich for an extended period under normal conditions.
How can you tell if a catalytic converter is bad?
Asked by Wiki User
The only real way is to take it to a garage and get them to check the exhaust emissions. This only takes about 5 minutes and my local garage didn't charge me for this when I did this.
If the emissions are NOT OK, then this could point to problems with the fuel injection system as well. If the emissions are fine, then so is everything else.
Can you reduce the 4 catalylitic converters to a pair of after market converters?
Asked by Wiki User
Yes, you can first clean (break) the top 2 then replace the bottom 2.
