Catalytic Converter Handling Precautions

Especially dangerous for the converter is an unburned combustible mixture, which can ignite in a highly heated catalyst and thereby increase its temperature to a dangerous level. In addition, fuel accumulates in the converter, and after starting the engine, due to detonation combustion, the ceramic body can be damaged. Therefore, when carrying out repair and other work, you should pay attention to the following:

- when the battery is discharged, the engine is started using an auxiliary wire from an external battery. If the starter is defective, the vehicle should only be moved, shifted or towed for short distances. A running engine starts after a few meters of movement. If this does not happen, find out the reason, but do not tow the car for a long distance;

- the presence of interruptions in sparking or incorrect injection indicate a malfunction in the ignition system. The system should be checked immediately;

- if the bearing is damaged, do not move with «dead» cylinder, but in the absence of a converter, this can be done without problems;

- in hot summer, after several weeks of dry weather, do not park the vehicle over dry leaves, hay, etc. - they can ignite;

- in the presence of anti-corrosion protection of the bottom, the protection of the converter also becomes better;

- check, usually with the vehicle jacked up, that the thermal protection made of metal sheets is not damaged or missing.