What is the cause of catalytic damage leading to single or multiple cylinder misfires?
2 Answers
Multiple cylinder misfires in a car engine are issues related to the ignition system, including problems with the ignition coil and other wiring harnesses, as well as blockages caused by fuel injectors. Generally, the causes of multiple cylinder misfires in a car engine include the following: 1. Ignition failure, which requires checking the ignition coil and high-voltage wires. The ignition coil cannot be repaired and must be replaced if faulty; 2. Fuel injection failure, which may be caused by wiring issues or poor fuel injection pressure; 3. Human operational errors, such as carelessness or mistakes during maintenance: faults caused by disturbances, loose connectors, etc.; 4. Wear and aging, untimely maintenance, or the use of inferior, substandard, or non-compliant engine oil; 5. Engine failure, which requires timely replacement.
Having driven for over a decade, what I fear most is when catalytic converter issues get tangled up with misfires. Multi-cylinder misfire means several engine cylinders aren't functioning properly, where injected fuel gets expelled unburned. This unburned fuel-air mixture rushes into the exhaust pipe, and since the three-way catalytic converter already operates at high temperatures, encountering these fuel vapors causes intense combustion. The extreme heat directly damages the honeycomb structure inside the converter. Conversely, a clogged catalytic converter can also trigger misfires - restricted exhaust flow is like holding one's breath, causing the engine to suffocate and operate erratically. Common causes include worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or clogged fuel injectors. If you notice severe shaking, poor acceleration, or the check engine light comes on, don't push it - get to a professional shop immediately to read trouble codes. Replacing a catalytic converter isn't cheap. Remember to regularly change spark plugs and use certified fuel additives to clean the fuel system, preventing minor issues from becoming major problems.
