A catalytic converter is a component responsible for neutralizing gases and reducing the environmental impact. It has a limited service life, but when it fails, it can be replaced with an original filter element, knocked out, or a universal version can be installed. This component is used for cars of different makes and models, and can be placed in the line or next to the manifold. There are two types on sale:
· Assembled, with a manifold or pipes suitable for a specific car.
· The cartridge itself has a metal casing in the shape of a cylinder, inside which there are honeycombs of a new catalytic converter block.
If you do not know what to do with your filter, then an excellent solution would be to sell the used part through the service https://autocatalystmarket.com/en/products/ford.
How to choose?
Before installing a new element, you first need to select it. To do this, determine the throughput of the block. A universal one is selected with similar dimensions and suitable for the engine volume. Usually the gas outlet capacity is indicated on the housing, but this information will only help if you know the parameters of the original unit installed on the car.
You can choose by dimensions, for this, measure the neutralizer housing taking into account the size and length, and then tell the seller the parameters you received. He will find a suitable universal neutralizer. You cannot choose a small-sized unit with reduced capacity, since it will not cope with the afterburning and cleaning of exhaust gases supplied from the engine.
The absence of a Check Engine error on the dashboard after installing the unit and resetting the settings indicates an accurate selection. The oxygen sensor reading is checked with a diagnostic scanner.
Types of neutralizers
Usually these are honeycomb blocks made of ceramics or metal. The honeycombs are coated with precious metals, which ensures a reaction with the exhaust components. Such neutralizers break down for various reasons:
· A faulty ignition system becomes a source of gasoline accumulation in the honeycombs, which detonates and melts them.
· Mechanical impacts deform and destroy honeycombs.
· A faulty neutralizer reduces engine speed and increases fuel consumption.
· Chemical neutralizers are designed to improve the properties of fuel and oils, increase the strength of vehicle components. Fuel annamegators are used to optimize the combustion process: increase the completeness of afterburning, reduce the number of detonations, and reduce the toxicity index. Resource is the main drawback.
· Magnetostrictive components have been produced since the 70s of the 20th century, but they are not very common. The essence of the unit is to change the properties of the fuel. This increases the completeness of combustion, the volume of heat released.
Most cars are equipped with ceramic or metal honeycombs.
Universal format
The working unit of the neutralizer is a honeycomb located inside, made of ceramics or metal, the surfaces of which are covered with precious metals – platinum, palladium, iridium. These substances are catalytic, so when they enter the exhaust block, the reaction of their decomposition to simpler and safer elements or compounds is activated. This part, that is, the cellular blocks, gradually lose their resource, melt, collapse, and become clogged. The component loses the ability to clean the gases coming from the engine, the oxygen sensor located behind the part captures the readings, transmits a signal to the car’s ECU, and then the information is transmitted as a Check Engine message on the instrument panel.
