How to check catalyst oppression: a step by step instruction device and recommendations

Every year in the world of stricter environmental standards. At the moment in the European Union used cars with the exhaust is not below the “Euro 4». In Russia less demanding environmental exhaust. However, even modern «Lada» and «Gaza" fitted with such a device as a catalyst. What is this element? How does it work? How to inspect the condition of the catalyst? All this and not only – further in our article.

Characteristics

So, what is the catalyst? This element represents one of the components of the exhaust system. The catalyst is located before the muffler, after the front pipe (if the vehicle has a resonator, in front of him). The Full name of the device – the catalyst. What does it do? This device is designed to reduce the toxicity of exhaust gas emissions. Thus, the catalyst zajigaet harmful substances, giving them the opportunity to go into the atmosphere. The exhaust becomes cleaner and less harmful to the environment.

Design

Let's consider the structure of the catalyst. This element consists of several parts:

• The Case.
• Block device.
• Insulation.

How does this work? The main element of any catalyst – block media. It is made of ceramic. This is the most expensive component in the Converter. Inside the element (in the core) there are many hundreds of cells that you can see in the photo below. It looks like the catalyst for a breakdown. Using these cell exhaust. Thanks to them, the area of contact of the gases with the substances-catalysts is greatly increased. The next layer is insulation, which reduces the loss of heat inside the device. After all, the harmful substances needs to digitise, and this is important to achieve the maximum temperature in the ceramic core. And, finally, everything is enclosed in a metal case. It is quite thick, so the burnout its like the muffler, is excluded. Moreover, there is a layer of insulation.

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How it works?

How gases passing through the catalyst, purified from harmful substances? It's very simple. Inside the ceramic block includes substances-catalysts. This is a palladium and platinum and rhodium. These substances accelerate chemical reactions. Thus, the unburned carbon oxides are converted to carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons – in water vapor.

The efficiency of the catalyst is achieved only under the condition of high temperatures not lower than 400 degrees Celsius. That is why the device is located just behind the reception tube of the exhaust manifold. However, it is not always possible to reach such temperature, especially in winter when you start. So part of the exhaust is not purified, and passes through the purifier “empty”.

To increase efficiency and to accelerate chemical processes, you should always maintain a high temperature in the catalyst. How to achieve this? To this end, the device is mounted oxygen sensor. It reads required information about the exhaust, and then sends a signal to the control unit. And from ECU signal to the intake manifold, where the changing composition of the fuel-air mixture. Thanks to such adjustments, the electronics automatically maintains the desired temperature inside the catalyst. Due to the enrichment with the air mixture increases the heating elements.

How to check catalyst without removing it? The first method

Every Converter is designed for a certain lifetime. Typically, these devices serve 200 thousand kilometers. At the expiration of this period within the core accumulates a sufficient number of unwanted substances that can clog it. How to check catalyst on the car without removing it? You can do this indirectly:

• The Car starts to overdraw the fuel.
• Lost traction.
• There is a sharp smell of hydrogen sulfide.
• Hard starting motor. And this happens even “hot”. The reason for that – scored the catalyst. The exhaust gases are difficult to overcome dirty net.

All these symptoms may be accompanied by yellow warning light on the instrument panel. It looks like the photo below.If on the dashboard lit up CHECK, and the behavior of the machine has changed for the worse, it is an occasion to reflect on the oppression of the catalyst.

Why?

The Reasons of this phenomenon only a few. It is the destruction of the catalytic layer or ceramic component or the contamination of soot SOT. Also, there are cases when the cells of the catalyst simply melted. In the context of this phenomenon is as follows.This means that the element is clogged and should be replaced. The same symptoms can be and diesel engines where the catalyst used is a diesel particulate filter. Do not ignore these symptoms.

How to check catalyst plugged? Method # 2 - gauge

The Essence of this method is to check the exhaust system for back pressure. How to check catalyst plugged? For this we need a gauge and adapter.The latter must be of such a diameter to tightly went to the place of the oxygen sensor. So, Unscrew lambda probe and set the back gauge with the adapter. How to check catalyst? Start the engine, bring the RPMs up to 2.5 thousand and look at the evidence. Normal pressure should be not less than 0.34 kg per square centimeter. If the level is lower, then the element is clogged.

This way you can test the catalyst VAZ 2170, or any foreign cars. The only issue – the difficulty when removing the oxygen sensor. Often it “a strong liking” of the catalyst. It is also necessary to achieve maximum tightness of the connection. If the exhaust is “cuts”, the readings will be inaccurate.

The Third method - a motor-tester

How to check whether the clogged catalyst? You can use a motor tester. Instead of a spark plug install a control sensor that detects the pressure in the system. Then the computer is removed, the oscilloscope, on the basis of which a conclusion is taken on the health of the catalyst. The method is pretty accurate, however not every hand has a motor-tester. Often this service can be ordered at specialized service stations.

The Fourth way – visual inspection

How to check catalyst with your hands? This method is available to everyone, but just note its disadvantages. You will certainly have difficulties when removing the item. Often the bolts tightly “stuck”, and cut them only grinder. Of course, replace them. But this additional spending. Removing the element, you will see the status of SOT-cells. If on the surface there are traces of melting, this catalyst is no longer serviceable. Instead, it is a regular spacer or a flash suppressor. Since the item contains precious metals, its price is 500 dollars. The cheapest output – installation of the flash suppressor with the firmware of the ECU. In block “cut” the purifying element, so that later on the panel appears CHECK.

Conclusion

So we figured out how to test the catalyst with your hands, how to construct and works this item. Look at odometer readings and listen to the motor. If the car is quite old, will certainly remove the catalyst – the car will be much easier to “breathe”.