1. Clogged Converter: Vacuum Test

Clogged exhaust system will reduce engine power and many other problems. If you doubt the operation and health of the converter installed on your car, you should test the system; This test requires a vacuum amp. Vacuum gauge is a very useful identification tool that works and is used in the repair of other parts of the engine as well.

2. Clogged Converter: Back Pressure Test

Just like the vacuum test in the previous section, the back pressure test can help diagnose a clogged exhaust system, but this test is performed directly on the exhaust system rather than the catalytic converter or Detect the muffler or connected pipe. This simple test requires a rear pressure gauge.

To perform this test, remove the rear or front oxygen sensor. Sometimes, it is difficult to remove the oxygen sensor, because the exhaust system runs at high temperature, which causes the sensor to stick to the holes of the threads on which it is mounted.

3. Catalyst Efficiency: Temperature Test

If the efficiency of the catalytic converter is too low to stop exhaust gases properly, the catalyst monitor (rear oxygen sensor) reports this to the computer. In these cases the vehicle's computer will illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and store a code, usually P0420 to P0424. However, you can test the efficiency of your catalytic converter using a suitable kitchen thermometer or, better yet, an infrared thermometer.

4. Catalyst Bed Status: Milk Test Pellet catalytic converters use small ceramic grains coated with catalyst. Pellets may disintegrate due to excessive heat. Other vehicles use an "integral" converter, which is a ceramic honeycomb that sits inside the catalytic converter. This substrate is held firmly inside the converter. But if the transducer is hit directly by a hard object or is hit in an accident, this substrate may crack. Also, operating in excessively hot temperatures for a long time may break the internal structure. To test the physical condition of an integrated converter, you can use a plastic mallet or a regular hammer wrapped in a piece of cloth.

Leave a comment or ask a question about How to determine that the catalyst of our car is healthy?.