- Reasons Why the Catalyst May Be Malfunctioning
- What are the Motives For Removing the Used Catalytic Converter?
- Is There Any Benefit to a Car When the Catalyst is Removed?
- Alternatives That Can Be Used Instead of a Car Converter
Reasons Why the Catalyst May Be Malfunctioning
People understand that many parts in a car wear out over time, but it's not entirely clear what to do in case of a breakdown and who to turn to in such a situation. And when it comes to "cats" (popular shortened name), many simply shrug their shoulders and don't know what to say. Everyone understands that the catalyst, like any other part of a car, is subject to wear and tear. Over time, that part will lose its productivity due to various factors. There are many factors and reasons that can help determine when the catalytic converter has failed, but initially, it is necessary to understand why this is happening. It's worth noting that the most common and popular problem is low-quality fuel that drivers pour into their cars, and layers of carbon build-up due to poor-quality fuel prevent the car converter from working properly. The catalyst, like any other car component, is designed for long-term use, but if the owner, for example, fills the car with the wrong gasoline, there is nothing that can be done, and the "cat" definitely won't work as it should. Therefore, first and foremost, in order to prevent the catalyst from failing, you need to monitor its condition, the temperature of exhaust gases, and how the car behaves while driving.
What are the Motives For Removing the Used Catalytic Converter?
In today's world, there are many motives for people to remove catalysts, and some of them are worth discussing. Replacing the diesel particulate filter is always a difficult and costly task, so not everyone can take this step. Many car enthusiasts simply get rid of their old part and forget about the clogged diesel particulate filter. Sometimes people resort to installing special mechanisms that aid in the regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. The thing is, passive regeneration doesn't work as desired; the catalytic converter simply clogs up and ceases to function properly. Rarely do car converters clean themselves, thus regenerating. That's why some people, instead of removing their catalyst, install additional equipment that cleans them and initiates forced regeneration. There are many ways to maintain the condition of the catalytic converter, and with their help, it can last much longer. But sometimes there's nothing that can be done, and you simply have to get rid of the used catalyst.
Is There Any Benefit to a Car When the Catalyst is Removed?
In many countries around the world, it is simply prohibited to drive without catalytic converters because exhaust emissions pollute the fresh air. However, there are times when a car performs much better without it, and removing it becomes a necessity.
There are many advantages that arise after a person removes the catalytic converter from their car, and sometimes no one even thought about some of them. For example, if you remove the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) from a diesel-fueled car, you will immediately notice an increase in the vehicle's power. This is because the catalyst creates backpressure, thus preventing the car from realizing its full power.
If you monitor the engine management system, you will notice that after removing catalytic converters from many cars, there is a significant increase in speed. However, if a person decides to repair their old car, it will not be an easy task. This is because many actions need to be taken to make the used catalytic converter work like new. For example, cleaning the diesel particulate filter (DPF) helps get rid of accumulated soot over a long period of use. But sometimes it is easier to buy a new catalyst than to repair a broken one.
Alternatives That Can Be Used Instead of a Car Converter
There are many alternatives that can be used if the catalytic converter fails. For example, many people use a device called a flame arrester, which serves as an alternative to catalyst. This device, resembling a pipe, can easily fit where the "cats" used to be.
The flame arrester cannot completely replace a real catalyst, but it does a decent job in its function.
Additionally, a person can drive a car completely without a catalytic converter, but in this case, there are many downsides that can lead to adverse consequences. If you drive without a catalyst, emissions will enter the fresh air, thereby polluting the environment in which many people live. So before replacing your used catalytic converter, you need to carefully plan your future actions to ensure that everything with your car goes well.
