Why is there oil stain on the outside of the Haval H5 catalytic converter?
2 Answers
Haval H5 catalytic converter's outside has oil stain indicating that the catalytic converter is severely clogged and needs to be replaced with a new one in time. Cleaning of the catalytic converter: The cleaning method for the catalytic converter is intravenous drip. This method connects a plastic hose to the engine vacuum solenoid valve, and relies on the air pressure in the hollow tube to suck the cleaning agent in the infusion bottle into the engine. The cleaning agent cleans the catalytic converter as it is discharged through the exhaust pipe. Composition of the catalytic converter: The catalytic converter is generally composed of four parts: the shell, the damping layer, the carrier and the catalyst coating. The shell is made of stainless steel to prevent the oxidation skin from falling off, which would cause the carrier to clog. The damping layer is composed of gaskets or wire mesh pads, which play the role of sealing, heat preservation and fixing the carrier. In order to prevent damage to the carrier caused by factors such as vibration and thermal deformation, the gasket is composed of expanded mica and aluminum silicate fiber, and finally bonded with adhesive. The carrier is made of honeycomb ceramic materials, and many are also made of metal (including stainless steel) materials. The catalyst is composed of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which are sprayed on the carrier to form a purifying agent.
When I saw oil stains on the exterior of the Haval H5's catalytic converter, it reminded me of a similar issue with my own car. Typically, this happens due to oil leakage from nearby systems, most commonly from a loose engine oil cap or a deteriorated oil pan gasket. As the vehicle moves, oil can be carried by airflow onto the hot surface of the catalytic converter, eventually forming oil stain spots over time. It could also be caused by cracks in the transmission or power steering fluid lines dripping oil. I recommend checking the engine bay as soon as possible to identify the source of the oil leak, as prolonged exposure can impair the catalytic converter's function, and in severe cases, the oil stains might ignite, potentially causing a fire. When cleaning the oil stains, avoid using strong acidic or alkaline cleaners to prevent corrosion of metal components. In short, don’t take it lightly—regular maintenance can prevent such minor issues.
