There is one detail in modern cars, which for many years has been the cause of very hot battles of motorists. But in these disputes, it is difficult to understand the arguments of each side. One part of motorists is in favor, and the other is against. This detail is a catalytic converter. Why do we need a catalyst, what is so important that it performs in the design of a car, why do they always argue about it? Let's try to figure it out.
Catalytic converter
This part has a simple design, but the role it plays in the car is very large and serious. The operation of any internal combustion engine is accompanied by the release of many very different and very harmful substances (all these substances and toxic gases are released directly into the atmosphere through the car’s exhaust tract). The converter can significantly reduce the level of toxicity of emissions, thereby improving the environmental situation.
So, with the help of special chemical reactions, particularly toxic substances that do not affect the atmosphere in the best way are converted into less toxic gases, which are then removed through the exhaust pipe.
In the exhaust system, in addition to the converter, oxygen sensors also work. They control the quality of the combustible mixture and affect the operation of the catalytic converter. You can find this device in the exhaust path between the muffler and the engine. The device is additionally protected by a metal screen, because during operation the device heats up. Look at how the catalyst looks like - a photo of it is posted below.
History of creation
In the 60s, the government of all developed countries of the world drew attention to the level of ecology and worried about the amount of emissions from the exhaust pipes of numerous cars. But I must say that the law then did not regulate emission levels.
In 1970, the very first standards were adopted, which were brought to the attention of the management of automobile concerns. In these standards, a list of guidelines on the content and amount of particularly harmful substances in toxic exhaust gases was presented.
This standard indicated that a new catalyst must be used in new cars, that such a device will significantly reduce the volume of carbon monoxide and combustion products of hydrocarbons.
Since 1975, all manufactured cars have been equipped with catalysts. This item has become a must.
Device and principle of operation
This device is often installed after the engine outlet pipe, or it can be mounted directly on the exhaust manifold flange .
The device consists of a special carrier block, a metal case and thermal insulation materials.
The carrier consists of many cells similar to a honeycomb. It performs almost all the work in the device. These cells have a special coating - working composition. It is interesting that the part does not start working immediately, but only after the temperature in the exhaust tract rises to 200-300 degrees.
The converter burns off carbon monoxide, which is contained in the products of fuel combustion, as well as hydrocarbons. There are also other substances that neutralize the catalyst. What are these substances? This is NOx. Gas is very toxic and harmful. It destroys the mucous membranes of a person.
The neutralizing cells are coated with a very thin film based on a unique platinum-iridium alloy. Those residues of toxic substances that are not burned in the engine, when you touch the hot surface of small cells instantly burn out. For this process, the catalyst takes up the remainder of the oxygen that remains in the already exhausted toxic gases. As a result of the operation of this part, non-toxic substances come out of the exhaust pipe.
Kinds
Catalyst cartridges can be made of ceramic materials or of metal. Among motorists, ceramic products are more common and popular. They withstand high temperatures perfectly and are not affected by corrosion. Among the advantages is the low price of such a catalyst (that a substance such as ceramics has a low cost, experts know).
There is a ceramic catalyst and cons. This is its fragility. The part is absolutely unstable to various kinds of mechanical damage, and since the device is located under the bottom of the machine, there is a considerable chance that the device will meet a curb, stone, or anything else. Then the part will break. Analogs made of metal are much stronger, but their price is very high due to the platinum alloy. For example, the VAZ catalyst is not repaired in the event of a breakdown, and many do not buy a new one because of the high cost.
Catalysts on different brands of cars
Cars depending on their manufacturer can vary significantly. The same applies to neutralizers. They are also different from model to model. We will consider the most popular car brands.
VAZ
The catalyst on VAZs is no different. They are all metal, often fail due to various damage. You can find the device in the car under the bottom, in the area of the engine exhaust pipe. Often, in the event of a failure, repair of the catalyst is not possible.
Ford
Unlike domestic automakers, Ford took care of the drivers. So, a device for neutralizing toxic gases in machines of this brand is made on the basis of ceramics.
To regulate the volume of oxygen, for a high-quality chemical reaction in the device, a lambda probe is used, which is integrated into the computer.
So, the Focus catalyst consists of one catalytic collector and two sensors. With powerful engines, two collectors work, as well as 4 sensors. The latter can be found both before and after the device. The operation of the converter can be controlled from the dashboard.
The device is designed for 120 thousand kilometers. If you use low-quality fuel with the engine, this part can fail much faster. When a failure occurs, it is impossible to repair the Ford catalyst. In this case, only a replacement is performed.
A health check can be performed very simply, and understanding that a replacement is needed is also simple. With a non-working catalyst, the power characteristics drop significantly. To check the operation of the device, it is necessary to measure harmful substances in the exhaust of the machine. If the filters are clogged, then the level of harmful toxins will go off scale.
You can also check the operability by removing the sensor installed before the converter.
Then, using a special adapter, it is necessary to connect a manometer and perform pressure measurements at various engine loads. Even if the device fails, repair of the catalyst is not possible.
If the Ford catalyst clogged, in this case the old device is removed, and a new one with increased standards is installed in its place. Instead of a catalyst, you can also install a flame arrester or a universal converter.
Toyotovsky catalyst
"Toyota" in this matter is also no different. These are the same honeycomb with a deposition of gold or a platinum-iridium alloy. There are three such devices in new cars of this brand - they are connected to each other in series. Each of them is designed to purify gases from one specific type of harmful substances.
Proper catalyst operation
In order for the device to protect the environmental situation for as long as possible, it is necessary to use it correctly. So, the first and most important recommendation that will extend the life of the equipment is high-quality fuel from well-known and popular brands. Low-quality fuel may contain substances that can easily destroy the spraying of honeycombs. Especially bad effect on the catalyst ("Guelder-rose" is no exception) such a metal as tetra lead. This substance has long been banned in many developed countries.
It is also necessary to remember that the converter works under the influence of very high temperatures, therefore you should not park the car where flammable objects, leaves, paper or something else are lying.
The driver, if he wants to save the catalyst, should not often turn on the starter if the car does not start.
Better pause. Also, do not rotate the crankshaft, while disconnecting the spark plugs. You should also not start the engine using a tug.
How to understand that he is broke
If, for example, a catalyst is installed on a car (including Chevrolet Aveo) and it is necessary to understand whether it works or not, then there are several ways.
When the machine is operating normally, then under any conditions, the lamp on the dashboard, reporting a catalyst problem, will not light up.
If the part is in a half-working state, then there is a lack of engine thrust at high speeds. In the morning, the car starts worse. Also, the car loses speed and increases fuel consumption. All these are signals that the part requires replacement.
DIY repair
At numerous service stations, motorists are told that repair of these devices is impossible. In fact, it is. However, if the part is clogged, you can try to rinse it. If there are several neutralizers in the car, then the first is removed, and the second is washed. You can see such a catalyst - a photo of it below.
Rinse recommended mixture for cleaning carburetors. If too many deposits are removed, then soak the part for one night in a bucket of diesel fuel.
Further, the device can be assembled and enjoy the result. However, for full-fledged work, it is still recommended to purchase a new device. There are universal models suitable for many cars.