Converter Diagnostics Part 5: This is the last part of this article but no less important! Maintenance Even a little carbon can play havoc with the flame front. In the past two decades, the greatest leaps forward in engine technology have been in the combustion chamber. Using high-speed cameras and quartz windows to see inside a combustion chamber, engineers are about to change the shape of the combustion chamber to produce the best possible flame front that produces more power, burns the fuel more completely and at a higher compression ratio. This is called thermal efficiency. But, this increase in efficiency makes it more sensitive to changes in the combustion chamber due to lack of maintenance. Carbon deposits on the pistons and valves can cause changes in the fuel spray pattern and the velocity of the air in the combustion chamber. This can cause misfires and unburned fuel to be sent to the catalytic converter. If the spark plugs are worn, a missed combustion event can cause raw fuel to be sent to the converter and burned. This can lead to premature death of the converter. If the driver continues to drive with a misfire, the driver can kill a converter in a few thousand miles. Since 1986 and the introduction of GF1 oil specifications, engine oils have had the levels of zinc, phosphorous and sulfur reduced to extend the life of the catalytic converter so the manufacturer can meet the emissions warranty of at least 80,000 miles. Zinc, phosphorous and sulfur can contaminate the catalyst and reduce the life of the converter even on low-mile engines that consume very little oil. If racing, diesel or agriculture engine oil with high levels of these additives are used, the converter will be permanently damaged. Clogged air filters can shorten the life of the converter. Not being able to draw in enough air, the restricted air filter can cause the fuel mixture to run rich. This can shorten the life of the converter. Other things to consider PCV Valves: The spring tension of a PCV check valve is critical to the life of the catalytic converter. If there is too little tension, excessive amounts of oil can enter the combustion camber. If there is too much tension, it could cause oil sludging. Never take this inexpensive emissions device for granted because it could destroy a more expensive emissions device.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 12:00:00 +0000
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