Why does a car's exhaust smell bad?
1 Answers
A foul smell from a car's exhaust may indicate a damaged catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is not a consumable item; it only acts as a catalyst in the process of converting exhaust gases. Carbon Deposit Deactivation: Some carbon deposits generated during engine combustion can enter the catalytic converter through the exhaust pipe, causing blockage. Blockage Failure: Blockages can occur due to carbon deposits sintering from ethanol gasoline, sulfur-phosphorus chemical compound sintering, lead-manganese metal deposit sintering, or ceramic carrier melting caused by engine exhaust flames. Chemical Poisoning: This refers to the loss of activity of the surface rare metals, rendering them unable to function as catalysts. Sulfur and phosphorus in fuel and lubricants, manganese and lead in anti-knock agents, and carbon monoxide from incomplete fuel combustion can poison the catalytic converter, causing it to fail. These toxins adsorb onto the active surfaces of the catalyst, forming a chemical adsorption complex.