Catalytic converter issue?
A kipor KDE7000t gen set exhaust causes serious shooting and get very hot and become redish.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a clogged catalytic converter. A clogged or failing catalytic converter can cause the vehicle to have poor fuel economy. As you may already know, the catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When this is clogged, this causes these gases to be backed up into the exhaust system not allowing the engine to breathe properly. When this happens, the engine is forced to work much harder to expel these gases. This often results in the engine bogging down, hesitating, shaking and causing very poor fuel economy. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
It sounds like you may have a clogged catalytic converter. A clogged or failing catalytic converter can cause the vehicle to have poor fuel economy. As you may already know, the catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When this is clogged, this causes these gases to be backed up into the exhaust system not allowing the engine to breathe properly. When this happens, the engine is forced to work much harder to expel these gases. This often results in the engine bogging down, hesitating, shaking and causing very poor fuel economy. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Driving with A Failed Catalytic Converter
If you`re noticing slow powertrain performance, reduced acceleration, a smell of rotten eggs or sulfur from the exhaust, dark exhaust smoke, or extreme heat from under the vehicle, these are symptoms of a clogged Catalytic Converter, and it should be replaced quickly.
A bad catalytic converter will lead to incomplete combustion within the firing cylinders causing an engine misfire and making it challenging for your car to start. Any time you notice frequent engine misfires, you`re experiencing the signs of a bad catalytic converter that needs a replacement.
If you`re noticing sluggish engine performance, reduced acceleration, a smell of rotten eggs or sulfur from the exhaust, dark exhaust smoke, or extreme heat coming from under the vehicle, these are symptoms of a clogged Catalytic Converter, and it should be repaired soon.
The most common reason for a catalytic converter to fail is because a related part fails — most often, a faulty spark plug. (Bad plugs can cause unburned gas to overheat inside the catalytic converter.)
You shouldn`t drive your car if a catalytic converter is completely clogged. If you do, you can expect the restricted exhaust flow to hinder your engine performance, which leads to your engine idling for a few minutes and then dying.
Yes, the oxygen sensor can damage the catalytic converter, although the damage is indirect. What actually happens is that the oxygen sensor malfunctions and sends incorrect data to your vehicle`s main computer chip.
Usually, a clogged catalytic converter will overheat and can have damaging impacts on your car`s engine. Anytime you experience an engine misfire, contact a reliable mechanic right away for catalytic converter repair or replacement services.
A Catalytic Converter Can Be Driven Indefinitely
In the case that the catalytic converter is totally plugged, it will prevent you from running your vehicle. In some situations, it may come to be completely fused directly or overtime, and it will need to be replaced immediately.
A new catalytic converter should last for around 10 years but, as with most other vehicle components, the exact lifespan can differ. Mileage and engine tune can impact on the durability of the item, so it`s worth checking the condition after 50,000 miles.
Bad spark plugs or damaged exhaust valves can also destroy a catalytic converter. It is important to keep your engine and fuel injection system in good working condition.
Catalytic converters change harmful emissions into harmless gas, and they need to be replaced only if they become clogged or otherwise damaged and can`t function properly. They`re expensive to replace, so they aren`t considered a regular maintenance item. A damaged “cat” should trigger a Check Engine light.
Can you repair a bad catalytic converter? Maybe. It may be fixable if you catch a catalytic converter in the early stages of failure. However, it will probably need to be replaced if it is discolored, warped, rattling, or smells like sulfur.
The cheapest way to fix catalytic converter is by giving it a good clean. Furthermore, a faulty oxygen sensor can sometimes have the same symptoms as a failed converter. And in such a case, all you would have to do is simply replace the rather inexpensive sensor.
A catalytic converter in your vehicle converts bad emissions into harmless gas. The catalytic converter usually lasts around 10 years so that`s when you should replace it. You should also replace the converter if you run into other apparent problems such as clogging, or physical damages.
Additionally, driving without one can be dangerous because your vehicle won`t accelerate properly. You may also notice that your car has lesser power in lower gears. Therefore, replacing the catalytic converter is important and should not be delayed.
Malfunction resulted from engine misfire makes catalyst“s converting efficiency drop. Such a condition results in increased emissions as well as in damage to catalytic converters.
If cleaning the catalytic converter with either method does not yield results, it is time to invest in a new converter. The cost of a replacement is high, but it ensures that your vehicle is safe and functional. Also, if you have an internal oil or coolant leak, cleaning may not help.
A common emissions code seen in the field, a P0420 trouble code indicates that the catalytic converter isn`t functioning efficiently. To work at peak efficiency, the emissions or feed gases entering the catalytic converter need to be perfectly balanced and not excessively elevated.
In other words, P0420 indicates that the catalytic converter is not effectively filtering out pollutants from the exhaust. The emissions test for your car will fail. Although a damaged catalytic converter won`t harm the driver, it can overheat and damage other engine parts.
What Are Potential Issues With a Catalytic Converter? Catalytic converters often last for 10 years or more, but they can become contaminated, clogged, overheated or physically damaged — leading to sluggish engine performance and, eventually, engine shutdown.
Why do O2 sensors fail? Since the oxygen sensor is in the exhaust stream, it can become contaminated. Common sources of contamination include an excessively rich fuel mixture condition or oil blow-by in an older engine and engine coolant being burnt in the combustion chamber as a result of an engine gasket leak.
Catalytic converters have a broad range from about $900 on the low end to $3,500 or even a bit more on the high-end. The difference in price is primarily around parts, because labor is a relatively small part of the cost.
Catalytic converters have a broad range from about $900 on the low end to $3,500 or even a bit more on the high-end. The difference in price is primarily around parts, because labor is a relatively small part of the cost.
If and when the time comes that you do have to replace the catalytic converter, it`s helpful to be prepared to recognize the problem as soon as possible. Driving with a failing cat is bad for the environment, can reduce your gas mileage, and might even cause damage to other parts of the exhaust system.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Changed catalytic converter, no lights on dashboard, but codes for catalytic converter & O2 sensor still remain
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. I am not sure why you changed your catalytic converter. Assuming you had a P0420 code, replacing the catalytic converter should of resolved that code. The codes originally stored need to be cleared. The fact your check engine light remains off tells me, you may have fixed the problem. Try disconnecting the negative battery terminal for at least 2 minutes, reconnect. Start and drive the vehicle for 10-15 miles. Re-check for codes. If a code returns on the first drive cycle (pending code), a problem still exists. The check engine light should come back on (the next drive cycle) if, the fault is recognized by the computer. An exhaust leak before the oxygen sensor will cause O2 sensor and catalytic converter codes. If you are having trouble identifying the fault, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
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Hi Mr. Nicholas: Engine light of my Accord Lx 2010 comes on. I want to be sure the problem is with the catalytic converter or O2 s
ANSWER : Hi there. In short, yes – it is highly probable that the check engine light is not 100% caused by the catalytic converter. Most OBD-II trouble codes related to this system are actually caused by O2 sensor failure, electrical harness failure to O2 and the catalytic converter or other emissions systems. On your Honda, there is one catalytic converter, that is comprised of a few individual sections. When it it replaced however, it is replaced as a single unit. In most cases, when a Honda dealership tells you that the catalytic converter is the source, 80% of the time they are correct. I would recommend reading this article and asking yourself if you are experiencing more than 50% of these are occurring.
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Does traction control depend on catalytic converter functioning properly?
ANSWER : You are right, the traction control system is not related in any way to the exhaust system (e.g., the catalytic converter) in the vehicle. Traction control involves wheel speed sensors, the ABS system, and electronic controllers. If there is a problem with the traction control system on your vehicle, it is likely that diagnostic trouble codes have been stored and those codes will provide the key clues to finding, and repairing, the fault in the system. A certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, can perform a traction control system diagnostic and let you know of the required repairs. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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New catalytic converter
ANSWER : Aftermarket converters are fine to use. Catalytic converters must meet federal emission standards in order to be sold. California and New York have even higher standards, so there may be some aftermarket converters that do not meet those standards. If you would like to purchase a catalytic converter from an outside source, one of our certified mobile technicians can install the catalytic converter for you if you need assistance.
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What would happen if the wrong catalytic converter was installed in my 2001 Toyota Camry
ANSWER : Hello. The wrong converter will cause your check engine light to come on and will cause you to not pass emissions. It can also cause some performance and efficiency issues over time. There are specific converters built for all vehicles and that is what needs to be used, especially in California. You need to take it back to the shop that installed the wrong one as it is against emission regulations to install the wrong converter in California.
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For a 2012 Mazda CX5 Diesel, Model# LDA-KE2FW: Will I have problems if I remove the insert of the blocked Catalytic Converter?
ANSWER : If the DPF filter is plugged up and the DPF light is on, then the DPF filter needs to be replaced. If you were to remove the filter and not use it, then the emissions output will be higher than normal and the DPF light will not go out. I recommend replacing the DPF filter, but if you are still having an issue, then I suggest replacing the catalytic converter system. If you need further assistance with your DPF light being on, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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My catalytic converter is rattling and there is smoke coming from my car. Is the catalytic converter faulty?
ANSWER : It is possible the catalytic converter got hot enough to fail on the last trip you took before this started. No pressure from the exhaust is a good sign that the car can’t breath. This may be because it cannot get enough air or because it cannot exhale.
The only way to confirm definitively is to perform all of the tests the previous mechanic performed to confirm the diagnosis. There are a few other sensors that may cause similar issues, but the scan for diagnostic troubleshooting codes would have alerted you at that point. A muffler shop will be able to confirm if the cat is bad. You can knock on it and see if you hear a rattle of some sort. This is a sign the filter inside has become heated, brittle, and broken off on the inside.
I recommend having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to you to determine if the catalytic converter needs to be replaced and why smoke is coming from the car.
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Fixing catalytic converter low threshold issue
ANSWER : I fix that every week on people’s cars because they have got to get their cars inspected and they get that stupid code "catalytic converter below efficiency threshold."
There are so many things that can do it, but I’ve had fantastic luck by putting a very good cleaner in the gas tank and then driving it around. There are certain ones out there like Cataclean and different brands.
I have had good luck using lacquer thinner. I go to an automotive paint store and buy a gallon of lacquer thinner and mix it with at least nine gallons of gasoline and drive it around. I just did that with a guy’s car that failed in emissions and I said "you drive it." He came back the next day and I plugged my computer and put a test and got it fixed. Pray that will fix it, because if it doesn’t, it is very expensive. You don’t just want to get out and guess with the new catalytic converter, because if the catalytic converter goes bad, normally, it’s because something made it go bad and if you are replacing it with a new one might not fix the problem.
If you are sure the catalytic converter is the problem, you’d better find a mechanic to replace the catalytic converter for you. Otherwise, I would have a comprehensive inspection done on the car to ensure that you are replacing the right part.
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