Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is a device which chemically converts harmful exhaust gasses, produced by the internal combustion engine, into harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor. The converter was developed to meet stringent emissions reduction levels as set forth by the Federal E.P.A. and California Air Resources Board. Since the 1975 model year, vehicle manufacturers have used catalytic converters and emissions control devices, to meet those emission reduction levels.

What is a Substrate?

A substrate is the material inside the shell of the converter. There are two types of original equipment substrates: pelletized, which consists of thousands of BB-sized ceramic pellets, and monolithic, which is a ceramic or metal "honeycomb" style. The replacement converters listed in this catalog have monolithic substrates.

What is a Catalyst?

A catalyst is a thin coating of precious metals (rhodium, platinum, and palladium) applied to the surface of the substrate material. Its function is to assist in the chemical reactions that are required to lower the emissions levels.

Why doesn't a vehicle pass an emissions test?

When a converter does not function, no exhaust gas conversion takes place. Usually the vehicle will run well, but it will not pass emissions test standards. This may be caused solely by a worn or damaged converter. But, it is difficult to diagnose because it involves other emission system components, as well. The most common cause of this problem is lead contamination within the converter. Use of leaded fuel is usually the source of the contamination.

What makes a converter become red hot?

A converter will become red hot when raw fuel is introduced directly into it. This is not a problem caused by the converter itself, but the result of a problem with the fuel system or ignition that allows unburned fuel to pass through the engine to the converter. Possible causes are improper ignition timing, fouled spark plugs, and air pump failure.

What causes a converter to become clogged?

If a converter is operated too long at a high temperature, its substrate may "melt down" and turn into a solid mass inside the converter. The vehicle may seem sluggish, as if there were a loss of power. Again, an engine and/or fuel system malfunction is allowing a rich fuel mixture to reach the converter. If the problem is not diagnosed and corrected, future converter failures may occur. (See photo in Reasons for "Converter Failure" section.)

What causes a replacement air hose to burn or melt?

The air pump or check valve could be malfunctioning. Universal hoses are made of a high temperature (up to 550¡F) silicon rubber. Their purpose is to transport air (up to 125¡F) to the converter. Under proper operating conditions they will not burn or melt. However, if hot exhaust gasses back up from the converter into the hose, damage could occur. (See photo in Reasons for "Converter Failure" section.)

Why does exhaust have a "rotten egg" smell?

Many times on the first startup in the morning, a vehicle's exhaust may smell like "rotten eggs." This is due to a rich fuel condition with a cold engine. However, as the engine warms up, this smell should go away. If it does not, converter damage could possibly follow with extended driving.

What is the E.P.A. policy on replacement converters?

In August, 1986, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new guidelines for the construction, efficiency, and installation of the after-market converters. The converters listed in this catalog have been designed, tested, manufactured, and proven to meet E.P.A. policy and emission reduction requirements.

What does the December 18, 1986 cut off date refer to?

Replacement converters built before December 18, 1986 do not comply with the latest E.P.A. policy. The sale and/or installation of those converters may be prosecuted as a tampering violation of the Clean Air Act. Converters built after that date are in compliance. Those converters are permanently labeled with a date code by the manufacturer. The four digit code refers to the month and year of manufacture (example: "0488" is "April, 1988").

Warning: A Fine of up to $2,500.00 can be assessed for removing or tampering with a properly functioning catalytic converter.