What Causes Oil Stains on the Exterior of the Haval H5's Three-Way Catalytic Converter?
2 Answers
Haval H5's three-way catalytic converter has oil stains on the exterior, indicating that the three-way catalytic converter is severely clogged and needs to be replaced with a new one promptly. Cleaning the Three-Way Catalytic Converter: The cleaning method for the three-way catalytic converter is known as the "drip bottle" method. This involves connecting a plastic hose to the engine's vacuum solenoid valve and using the air pressure in the hollow tube to draw the cleaning agent from the drip bottle into the engine. The cleaning agent then exits through the exhaust pipe, cleaning the three-way catalytic converter in the process. Composition of the Three-Way Catalytic Converter: The three-way catalytic converter generally consists of four parts: the shell, damping layer, carrier, and catalyst coating. The shell is made of stainless steel to prevent the shedding of oxide scales, which could clog the carrier. The damping layer is composed of padding or wire mesh pads, serving to seal, insulate, and secure the carrier. To protect the carrier from damage caused by vibrations, thermal deformation, and other factors, the padding is made of expanded mica and aluminum silicate fibers, bonded together with adhesive. The carrier is made of honeycomb-shaped ceramic materials, though many are also made of metal (including stainless steel). The catalyst consists of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which are sprayed onto the carrier to form the purifying agent.
I've noticed that oil stains on the exterior of the Haval H5's catalytic converter are quite common, usually caused by engine oil seeping into the exhaust system. Aging or cracked engine cylinder head gaskets can allow oil to leak through the gaps, flowing down the exhaust pipe to the vicinity of the catalytic converter, where heat causes the oil stains to become visible. Additionally, loose connections in the lubrication system can result in oil splashing onto surrounding components. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, accumulated oil can corrode the catalytic converter's housing, impairing its exhaust treatment function and reducing vehicle performance. I recommend first checking the engine oil level and the condition of the oil filter to identify any obvious leaks. Don't delay, as a completely failed catalytic converter would require costly replacement. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of seals can help prevent this issue.
