Clogged catalyst - replace with a new one or remove

Strict environmental requirements around the world have led to the appearance of elements in the design of cars that do not affect technical characteristics in any way, but help clean exhaust gases from harmful substances. One of the components that helps save the environment from automobile emissions is called a catalytic converter. Or more simply - a catalyst. In appearance, it is a large metal can built into the exhaust system. But thanks to it, most modern cars comply with EU standards "Euro 5" and "Euro 6".

Where is the catalyst

There are several options for its location. Most often it crashes into the exhaust pipe. Sometimes it is placed after it, in front of the main resonator. Another option is to install directly into the exhaust manifold when the product is part of it. This placement allows you to quickly reach the desired temperature in the catalyst. But in case of overheating, it will immediately fail.

How does the catalyst work?

Inside the product is divided into many honeycombs, coated with precious metals. The role of the latter is usually played by palladium, rhodium or platinum. These elements act as catalysts that promote chemical reactions. The neutralizer works like this:

• ✅ exhaust gases enter the product, filling its cells
  
• ✅ spraying contributes to the process of oxidation of harmful substances, when condensate and carbon dioxide are formed as a result of a chemical reaction
  
• ✅ as a result, environmentally harmless substances enter the atmosphere
  

In diesel engines, a diesel particulate filter is installed along with the catalyst.

Types of neutralizers

All products are divided into two groups, differing in the material of the cells.

Ceramic

The inner part of the part, called the cartridge, is made in the form of honeycombs, having the shape of a circle, triangle or square. The cells are through, so they are clearly visible. That is, the cartridge resembles a lattice. The main advantage of a ceramic catalyst is its relatively affordable price. Minus - the fragility of the product. It is enough to call in a hole or a puddle for it to fail. A catalyst whose body is destroyed may not even be accepted for sale.

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They are stronger than ceramic, more resistant to moisture and are not so afraid of bad roads. The inside looks like a honeycomb spiral structure. Honeycombs are irregularly shaped. The failure of a metal catalyst is most often associated with the use of low-quality fuel, overheating, and natural wear. But the blows of roads and gravel that fell on the body will not affect the performance of the product - in the latter case, only a dent will remain.

Diesel particulate filter

It is put on cars with diesel engines. Inside - closed and open square cells arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The price of a particulate filter is less than a metal converter. However, the former does not tolerate impact well and can easily split.

Signs of catalytic converter failure

One of the first symptoms is the check engine light on the instrument panel. When measuring the toxicity of exhaust gases, it becomes clear that there is more carbon monoxide. Other signs:

• ✅ the exhaust system is noisy, smoke appears from under the bottom of the car
  
• ✅ idle "float"
  
• ✅ fuel consumption increases and engine power decreases
  
• ✅ there are problems with the dynamics of the car and the first start after parking
  

Why does the catalytic converter fail?

Over time, the converter becomes clogged. Manufacturers assure that the part will not require replacement up to 100-150 thousand kilometers. But in practice, such figures are hardly achievable. This is due to low-quality fuel, which is full of various additives that clog honeycombs. The converter will have to be changed if it has mechanical damage - for example, as a result of an accident. However, the cost of this part is very high due to the content of precious metals in it, and can reach up to a quarter of the price of a used car. Therefore, car owners are looking for a way out of this situation.

Replacing the neutralizer with a flame arrester

The advantages of installing the device include not only its lower cost (almost 10 times) compared to the catalyst. There are other advantages:

• ✅ slight increase in engine power
  
• ✅ fuel consumption drops (by about 2-3%)
  
• ✅ the engine is not so demanding on fuel quality
  

However, the advantages listed above are achievable under certain conditions. Firstly, the catalyst must be clogged tightly or mechanically broken. Secondly, it is necessary to competently reflash the ECU in order to "deceive" it. Otherwise, the electronics will detect the “disappearance” of the catalyst and begin to change the composition of the fuel mixture. As a result of such a correction, the engine will no longer be torquey, and fuel consumption will increase.



Of the negative aspects, it is worth noting an increase in the content of harmful substances in the exhaust, a decrease in the service life of the fuel system. As well as increased exhaust noise. The last trouble happens if all the “insides” are simply pulled out of the spent catalyst and an empty “jar” is put back. As a result, the exhaust gases resonate with a ringing in the "tank". And one more thing: it is not always possible to find a flame arrester that exactly fits your car model. Often, car owners install universal products, which subsequently have to be customized for a specific exhaust system. Only a professional welder can do this well, which entails additional costs.

Other types of catalysts

But what if you can’t afford to buy a new neutralizer, but you don’t want to pollute the atmosphere? Then you can use other ways to save nature and save money.

Anamegarators

These are chemical catalysts that are added to the fuel and are additives. They correct the structure of the fuel, changing its properties. As a result, the fuel burns more completely, the toxicity of exhaust gases is reduced, and the risk of detonation is reduced to zero. The effectiveness of a chemical agent depends on its correct concentration. Therefore, you must strictly follow the instructions. A serious disadvantage of additives is a possible increase in fuel consumption up to 10%, which is simply unacceptable for most car owners.

Magnetic striction devices

They are installed at the inlet, before the injector or carburetor (on diesel engines - before the injection pump and injectors). Installation takes no more than 20 minutes. The principle of operation is to adjust the physical properties of the fuel under the influence of a magnetic field. After installation, the fuel burns more completely, the engine power increases, the toxicity of emissions drops by 3-4 times.

Catalyst removal and legislation

The rules prohibit you from making changes to the design of the machine yourself. In this case it is the exhaust system. There is a corresponding article, punishment. But all this in the Russian Federation works extremely inefficiently. Many people are unaware of the existence of such a law. In the West, this problem is taken more seriously. In some countries, the penalty for removal or defective replacement of a part may exceed the cost of a new catalyst.