Catalytic Converter Precautions

1. The catalytic converter is a reliable and simple device that does not require maintenance. The following are situations that should be avoided in order to ensure reliable operation of the inverter during its entire service life.

• A) Leaded gasoline must not be used on vehicles with a catalytic converter. Lead is deposited on the surface of the noble metal, reduces the efficiency of the converter and can damage it. In this case, the oxygen sensor becomes contaminated with lead, as a result of which it needs to be replaced.
• b) Perform ignition and fuel system maintenance as scheduled (Chapter 1). Follow the schedule for replacing the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs. If the air/fuel mixture becomes excessively rich due to careless maintenance, unburned fuel will enter and burn in the converter, causing the element to overheat and damage the converter.
• V) If engine misfiring occurs, do not drive the vehicle (or reduce travel to a minimum), until the problem is corrected. As a result of misfiring, unburned fuel enters the converter, causing it to overheat, as already mentioned above. For the same reason, avoid cases where the engine does not start or starts with difficulty. The malfunction must be immediately identified independently or entrusted to a specialist.
• G) Do not travel when the gas tank is completely used up.
• d) Do not start the engine by towing or pushing the vehicle to do so while other starting options exist, especially if the engine and exhaust system are at normal operating temperature. When starting the engine in this way, unburned fuel enters the catalytic converter, causing it to overheat, as described above.
• e) Do not turn off the ignition at high speeds, in particular, do not close the throttle abruptly before turning off the ignition. If the ignition is turned off at speeds above idle, unburned fuel will enter the converter. This is dangerous as it can ignite on the hot transducer element and damage it.
• and) After starting a cold engine and driving a short distance, it is advisable to take a longer trip next time. If you make short trips with a cold engine, as the converter does not reach operating temperature, unburned fuel will accumulate in it, some of which will be released into the atmosphere, and some will penetrate into the element, causing it to overheat, as indicated above.
• h) Do not use oil or fuel additives. They may contain fractions harmful to the catalytic converter. For a similar reason, do not apply silicon-based sealants to any engine or fuel system components, and do not apply exhaust system sealant to parts of the exhaust system located before the catalytic converter (in the direction of flow). Even if the sealant itself does not contain additives harmful to the converter, its particles can contaminate the element, causing local overheating,
• And) Stop driving if the engine is burning excessive oil that is noticeably different from normal bluish exhaust smoke. Unburned carbon particles can clog the channels of the converter and reduce its efficiency. In some cases, the element may overheat.
• To) Keep in mind that the catalytic converter operates at high temperatures and it takes time for the outer parts to cool down. Therefore, do not leave the car in the undergrowth, among tall grass or a pile of dry leaves.
• l) Remember that the catalytic converter is quite fragile - protect it from impact during maintenance.
• m) Sometimes you can smell a sulphurous smell from the exhaust system (smells like rotten eggs). This is true for all vehicles equipped with catalytic converters. After a run of several thousand kilometers, this effect disappears. When using low-quality fuel with a high sulfur content, this effect is enhanced.
• n) With proper maintenance of the car, the service life of the catalytic converter corresponds to a mileage of about 80,000... 160,000 km. If the efficiency of the catalytic converter decreases after this, it should be replaced.