The catalyst in a modern car is an important part of the exhaust system. This element solves two problems. This is the purification of the exhaust gases before they enter the atmosphere, as well as the reduction of resistance for their release. The power that the engine will give out depends on the catalyst. If suddenly the car can no longer drive as fast as before, or fuel consumption has increased, then there is such a problem as a clogged catalyst. These symptoms can be with other malfunctions, but most often they are associated with the catalyst. Consider other signs of contamination of the element, as well as ways to solve problems.
The main symptoms of an element failure
Drivers even with little experience will be able to determine without any problems that the exhaust system is malfunctioning. If exhaust fumes pass poorly through the system, this will inevitably affect the behavior of the car and the sounds of the engine.
Power loss
The car will be hard to gain speed.
However, this problem will be felt only for a while. This period depends on how heavily contaminated the catalyst is and whether it is working. Symptoms of a clogged catalyst - slow acceleration in low gears. If you go to a higher one, the motor will work in its normal mode. Also, when driving, the driver may have the feeling that there is a very heavy load in the trunk that does not allow enough acceleration.
Chek engine
This is also one of the symptoms that may indicate a catalyst.
For example, if a part is badly clogged, then the computer will light the lamp. In this case, the driver must check the malfunction. If the car is equipped with an on-board computer, then an error message will be displayed on it: "Clogged catalyst." The symptoms are the same - loss of power, problems with engine efficiency. This is reported by
error P0420.High fuel consumption
Due to excessive contamination of the catalyst, fuel consumption can be significantly increased. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the flow rate will only report problems in the exhaust system if other symptoms of a clogged catalyst are also observed - power loss and slow speed setting.
Why an item fails
A car converter cannot fail simply by itself. If problems are observed with this part or the engine does not want to gain momentum and has lost its power, then this indicates that the catalyst is deformed or clogged.
These symptoms may occur for some reason.
Poor fuel
If the mixture of gasoline and air does not completely burn in the engine cylinders, then combustion is completed in the catalyst or in the exhaust manifold. Then the main parts of the exhaust system are melted . The combustion products settle in the converter and prevent the gases from passing at the required speed. As a result, the system simply clogs up.
Low quality catalyst
Automakers complete cars with quality parts and consumables. But if something in the car changed, then it is not a fact that the owner sold high-quality spare parts. If a low-quality or non-original converter is installed in the car, then there is a big risk that the catalyst cells are too small. Due to their insufficient size, they are easily clogged with fuel combustion products.
Often all the signs of malfunction and symptoms of a clogged catalyst occur in American cars that were previously operated in the United States. Better gasoline is sold at gas stations in the United States, from which a minimum of unburned substances remains during the combustion process. Catalysts in such cars with small honeycombs - in Russia they die in the shortest possible time.
Engine problems
This is another reason. As a result, the owner receives a clogged catalyst. Symptoms of some problems in the engine are invisible, and it’s very difficult to say exactly what exactly leads to the growth of fuel combustion products in the exhaust system without serious computer diagnostics. The car’s brains are checked and all error codes are read.
Bad roads
If the car is regularly used on poor quality roads, then there is a big risk that it can be deformed. Even a minor blow is enough for the honeycomb to begin to collapse or deform. In order not to replace an expensive part, it is better to carefully cross obstacles, for example, speed bumps.
Diesel engines
On such power units there is no catalyst. There is a diesel particulate filter instead , it performs the same task as a catalytic converter in a gasoline engine. Another difference is the price. A diesel particulate filter will cost three times more than a gasoline element.
The symptoms of a clogged catalyst on a diesel engine are similar to those observed by owners of gasoline engines. This is a loss of power, the engine refuses to start,
increased fuel consumption.How to test a catalyst on a car
Diagnostics of this part can be done independently, provided that the necessary knowledge, skills and equipment are available. Also check the converter in any service. There are three diagnostic methods.
Visual way
A simple inspection is supposed here. Problems in the operation of this system can be identified simply by looking at it. If there are various deformations on the case, there is a high probability that the cells are damaged. It is impossible to find out that the catalyst is clogged outside. It will have to be dismantled.
The problem is the difficulty of dismantling the task. It is necessary to drive a car onto a flyover or pit. In addition, on each car, the principle of installing it is different. Also a common problem is the sticking of the retainer that holds the converter. Therefore, most often, dismantling is carried out only for replacement with a grinder.
If the part was removed, then it is inspected for gaps. If the device is clogged with dirt, it can be cleaned, but it is better to replace it. It must be remembered that such an inspection can not be carried out on the neutralizers. Therefore, there are other ways to determine if a catalyst is clogged.
Back pressure test
This method does not require dismantling. The principle of verification is to measure the pressure of the exhaust gases. Then the data is compared with ideal parameters. To carry out the operation, you need a manometer and an adapter for its inclusion in the system. The car should be installed on a flyover or pit. Next, remove the first lambda probe, and instead connect a manometer. It is important to connect it to the system so that everything is as tight as possible.
Then they start the engine and increase the speed to 2500-3000, and also record the manometer indicators. If the pressure is approximately 0.3 kgf / cm 2 , then everything is normal with the converter. If 0.35 kgf / cm 2 , then (if the motor has not been modified) it is worth paying attention to it. When the level is 0.5 kgf / cm 2 and above, the converter is faulty.
Finally
Typically, in modern cars, the computer itself informs the driver if the catalyst is clogged. What symptoms will be on cars without a diagnostic system - described above. The best solution is a replacement. But it is very expensive, therefore, at many service stations they suggest installing a flame arrester.