What Causes a Three-Way Catalytic Converter to Fail?
1 Answers
The causes of three-way catalytic converter failure include: 1. Use of leaded gasoline: Tetraethyl lead in leaded gasoline causes significant environmental and human health pollution and damage. It also deposits on the active surfaces of the oxygen sensor and catalytic converter in the catalytic device, leading to 'lead poisoning' of the oxygen sensor and greatly reducing the purification efficiency of the three-way catalytic purification device until it is damaged. Long-term use of leaded gasoline can even clog the honeycomb catalytic converter in the catalytic device with tetraethyl lead. 2. Use of lubricants or additives containing lead, silicon, or phosphorus: If harmful components mixed in the lubricant come into contact with the catalytic conversion device, it can also cause the three-way catalytic device to fail. 3. Use of sealants containing harmful components like lead and silicon: Engine repairs often require the use of many sealants. However, if sealants containing the aforementioned harmful components are applied to areas such as the intake manifold gasket or oil pan gasket, it can poison or even disable the three-way catalytic device. 4. Overheating of the three-way catalytic converter: The working temperature of the three-way catalytic device usually should not exceed 800°C. If a cylinder in the engine has poor combustion, the exhaust will contain excessive unburned fuel gases, which can cause the three-way catalytic device to fail or be damaged due to a significant increase in working temperature. 5. Severe impact: A strong collision can break the catalytic converter core and render it useless.
