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Installing a Catalitic converter
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indy4192
User
Sep 15, 2009, 1:09 PM
Post #1 of 4
(2098 views)
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Installing a Catalitic converter
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1998 Ford Taurus/3.0/6 cylinder/128000
I was just wondering how difficult is is to install one if yours goes bad. Plus how do you know if yours goes bad?
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Sep 15, 2009, 6:41 PM
Post #2 of 4
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Re: Installing a Catalitic converter
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There is a couple of different ways they can go bad. If they are plugged you will get a drivability problem, if that is the case you would check vacuum & exhaust backpressure. If they just stop working then it will usually set a P0420 code but you can also check them using fuel trim & O2 readings.........
Those are tuck in around the motor & aren't the easiest to change...........
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Sep 16, 2009, 6:07 AM
Post #3 of 4
(2086 views)
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Re: Installing a Catalitic converter
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I agree that you can use the on board diagnostics to give you an indication that a converter has gone bad (stopped working) but that is all it is, an indication.
I have seen P0420 code set because of lazy O2 sensors, an engine that has latched itself rich (not enough oxygen in the exhaust for the converter to function) due to air intake restrictions, leaking injectors or inputs from a malfunctioning sensor; such as a mass air flow. A malfunctioning sensor that has not gone out of it parameters; too set a code.
To confirm that a converter has gone bad you need to perform a pre & post test of the gases going too and through a converter, with a gas analyzer. Once you have these reading, you can calculate the percentage of efficiency of the converter’s ability to convert carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to oxygen and then reduce oxides of nitrogen.
Even when using a gas analyzer; you must make sure that the system is in full fuel control and the input gases to the converter are at “normal” levels.
I have also heard some techs say that they check the temperature of the converter with one of those laser thermometers. Take a reading in front of and then another at the back end of the converter. There should be at least a 20% increase in the temperature at the outlet end. That’s all well and fine; it tells you that the converter is doing something but it doesn’t tell you what or how much it’s doing to convert and reduce the emissions.
I ‘m not trying too contradicting you Sidom because you are right; on a properly running engine and electronic system; that sets a P0420, it likely does have a bad converter.
When I see this code and have confirmed that the converter has gone south; I always ask what or who killed the converter? Catalytic converters do not die of natural causes; they are murdered and the usual suspect for this murder is an engine that is/was being over fueled or misfiring; allowing raw fuel to enter the converter.
So there, that’s how you tell if a converters bad; easy EH!
Now if you think that’s going to be tough; wait till you go and try replacing the Y-pipe converter(s) assembly. My techs cringe when I give them this job; they hate the rusted seized tight manifold studs.
Dad.
Canadian "EH"
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indy4192
User
Sep 16, 2009, 6:58 AM
Post #4 of 4
(2077 views)
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Re: Installing a Catalitic converter
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Mine hasn't gone bad, I am not even getting any codes for it, what is happening is I have a misfire and can't seem to track down what is causing it, and I was told that this problem could lead to issues with the converter, so just wondering what I might be in for down the road.
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