Can a Waterlogged Three-Way Catalytic Converter Still Be Used?
4 Answers
A waterlogged three-way catalytic converter can still be used. Here is some information about three-way catalytic converters: 1. Three-way catalytic converter: It refers to a catalytic device that converts harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx emitted from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. 2. Substrate: The main component is the three-way catalytic converter, whose substrate is a porous ceramic material installed in a specially designed exhaust pipe. Precautions for using a three-way catalytic converter are as follows: 1. Damage: If the three-way catalytic converter has mechanical damage, thermal sintering, has exceeded 200,000 kilometers in mileage, or suffers from lead poisoning, cleaning will be of little use. 2. Cleaning the three-way catalytic converter: This should be done after cleaning the throttle valve, fuel injectors, and combustion chamber. 3. During cleaning: The idle speed should not be too high to avoid overheating the three-way catalytic converter. 4. Safety: The work area should be kept away from fire sources, and appropriate fire prevention measures should be taken.
My car was flooded, and the catalytic converter was basically ruined after being submerged. Water causes the precious metal coating inside to fail, preventing the chemical reactions from taking place and leading to severe emission issues. Additionally, the ceramic part absorbs water and is prone to cracking, which can block the exhaust pipe, causing the engine to emit black smoke or even stall. Last time after the flood, I tried driving it, and the car shook violently. After checking at the repair shop, the only solution was to replace it. Repairing is unlikely because the internal damage is irreversible. When driving through water, always pay attention to the exhaust height to avoid repeating the same mistake. Replacing the catalytic converter might be expensive, but not fixing it costs more and is dangerous.
My catalytic converter completely failed after being submerged in water. Water immersion can deactivate the catalytic conversion layer, making the exhaust smell pungent and reducing engine performance. The repair costs are high and not necessarily reliable. I tried cleaning it, but the problem recurred after a few days. It's best to replace it directly. When replacing, choosing OEM or reliable brands can make it more durable. Additionally, be especially careful when driving in the rain and avoid deep puddles. To check if the catalytic converter is damaged, you can use an OBD scanner to read the fault codes, which is cost-effective and hassle-free.
A waterlogged catalytic converter usually needs replacement. Water infiltration damages the internal structure, deactivates the catalyst, and causes emission failures. Repair is difficult and costs nearly as much as a new unit. I've experienced this - skipping replacement led to failed emissions tests and fines. Getting it serviced promptly is the best approach. Always assess water depth before driving through to protect the exhaust system.
