Signs Of A Bad Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is a key component of
the exhaust system of a car. It changes some
properties of the harmful gases produced as the
byproduct running the engine. As a result, the
emitted gasses make a less damaging impact
on the environment. It’s important to know
about the bad catalytic converter symptoms so
that you can spot them immediately and take
the vehicle to a servicing shop for maintenance.
What Are Bad Catalytic Converter
Symptoms?
A failing catalytic converter is not uncommon at
all. Any external impact such as debris on the
road or overheating of the engine’s internal
components can affect it. Let’s see some of the
symptoms of bad catalytic converter.
1. Engine Misfiring
The catalytic converter can overheat and show
signs of failing when the engine misfires. Also,
you will see the similar signs when there is a
very rich fuel mixture in the oil tank. Extremely
rich fuel mixture causes ignition by making raw
fuel entering the converter. The condition is
dangerous since it can melt the catalyst
components.bad catalytic converter symptoms
Misfiring of the engine could be a warning sign
2. Loss of Power When Accelerating
Losing power during acceleration or going uphill
is one of the most common clogged catalytic
converter symptoms. Mechanics often
misdiagnose this cause, especially in case of
partial clogging, and suggest changing of a few
components, which is unnecessary.
You can be sure about this problem by applying
a simple test. Apart from the obvious low-
powered acceleration, you can check the
exhaust with your hand. Ask an assistant to
hold the car’s rpm at between 1800 and 2000
while you will check the exhaust push with your
hand from behind the tailpipe. If you get a hot
feeling of exhaust flow, the converter is
definitely clogged.
3. Degraded Performance
An overall degradation in the engine
performance is another sign. It happens because
of the back pressure that the failing converter
creates, affecting the engine and preventing it
from running freely. It makes your car shake
and the sudden burst of pressure can
sometimes stall the engine too while you are
driving.
4. Reduced Exhaust System Performance
Another way to notice bad catalytic converter
symptoms is to keep an eye on the exhaust
system’s performance. It will degrade if the
converter is failing and the problem can be
traced back to an error in the fuel system.
The exhaust system will show degraded
performance.
5. Fuel Vapor
If your vehicle has a carburetor instead of a fuel
injection, you can be sure of a poor catalytic
converter by doing the fuel vapor test. Remove
the air cleaner and ask an assistant to flash a
torchlight near the carburetor intake. Rev the
engine and see if there’s a cloud of vapored fuel
over the carburetor. If this is the case, you can
assume without a trace of doubt that your car’s
catalytic converter has a clog.
6. Increased Emissions
Increasing emissions is one of the bad catalytic
converter symptoms you should notice. When a
converter is failing, it can’t do its job properly,
which is to reduce gaseous emission. So, a high
level of carbon emission is the obvious
consequence of a bad exhaust system. This is a
serious problem as it can lead to the damage of
the entire exhaust system if you don’t fix it
quickly.
7. Stolen Catalytic Converter
Catalytic converters are frequently stolen due to
the precious metals inside. Converters contain
small amounts of platinum, rhodium and
palladium, all of which have value for metal
dealers.
8. Catalytic Converter Need Regular
Maintained
Further small symptoms of a bad catalytic
converter are: Reduced acceleration, sluggish
engine performance, excessive heat under the
vehicle, dark exhaust smoke, the smell of sulfur
or rotten eggs from the exhaust. Some of those
symptoms can also result from other defective
parts of the emissions system, so it’s important
to get a mechanic diagnose when it’s time to
replace your catalytic converter. Keeping your
exhaust, emissions and combustion systems in
good shape will minimize the risk of your
catalytic converter failing before its time to
break down – often 10 years or more.
How Long Can You Drive With A Bad Catalytic
Converter?
How long can you drive with a bad catalytic
converter?
If your beloved car is showing symptoms of bad
catalytic converter, you may want to know that
driving with a bad catalytic converter is okay or
not and how many miles you can drive with the
bad catalytic converter. Here is the answer for
you.
1. A Bad Catalytic Converter Can Be Driven
Indefinitely
Driving with a bad catalytic converter is not too
dangerous. If some small parts of your catalytic
converter is plugged, you can still drive your car
as usual. However, you will see there is a drop
in the performance of the catalytic converter. In
case the catalytic converter is totally plugged, it
will prevent you from running your vehicle.
Some situations, the catalytic converter might
come to be completely fused directly or
overtime, then you need to replace it
immediately.
2. A Bad Catalytic Converter Can Burn
Through Overtime
The inner fiber of your catalytic converter may
be burned through if the car engine is running or
burning oil too much. It doesn’t matter if you still
drive your car as far as you want, but you will
observe a smell and some smoke.
Conclusion
Most of problems related to catalytic converter
do not affect the function of your vehicle. But if
you have to face with a fully plugged catalytic,
keep driving your car is the thing you have to
avoid. In some countries, it is illegal if you drive
a car with a damaged catalytic converter since
smog from your car will cause many bad
impacts on environment. Thus, get your car a
new catalytic converter is what you need to do
in this case.

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