The catalytic converter is an integral part of the exhaust system, which helps neutralize dangerous gases emitted from the combustion chamber. The catalytic converter is made to serve your truck throughout its lifetime, but it can break down or wear, which will compel you to repair it. How will you know that you have a failing catalytic converter? Here is more into finding out more on that.
When your catalytic converter is faulty, the exhaust gases emitted from your truck will pollute the environment, fuel consumption will not be economical, and other exhaust components will get damaged.
Symptoms of a Failing Catalytic Converter
Several chemical reactions occur in the catalytic converter to neutralize the harmful gases from your truck’s combustion chamber. Here are some symptoms you will experience when your catalytic converter is faulty.
Your Engine Will Misfire
Engine misfires are some early signals that your catalytic converter is faulty. When your engine misfires, your catalytic converter is overheating. It indicates that the combustion is not complete in the combustion chamber.
When the converter is clogged, it will overheat, and too much heat will destroy the converter.
The smell of a Rotten Coming From Your Exhaust Pipe.
When your catalytic converter is damaged, you will feel a bad smell similar to that of a rotten egg. The converter will not be able to neutralize the harmful gases. Therefore, they will be emitted to the surrounding. The sulfur compound is one of the fuel combustion products. If your catalytic converter is not functioning, sulfur will be responsible for producing a bad smell.
When the Engine Check Light Appears
Trucks have an internal computer that relays on the sensor to show various check lights on the dashboard. When your catalytic converter is bad, the ratio of fuel to air in the combustion chamber will be affected, and your truck will emit toxic gases to the surrounding.
If your converter is not working properly, the engine check light will appear on your dashboard. The engine check light also may signal other engine problems. It would help if you took your truck for a checkup when the check light appeared.
Starting Problems
You will experience difficulties starting your truck when your exhaust system is clogged. A clogged catalytic converter will not neutralize the harmful gases from your combustion chamber. The toxic gases will be in the combustion chamber, leading to pressure build-up. The accumulation of exhaust gases can lead to an engine stall or starting problems.
Increased Fuel Consumption
When the catalytic converter is clogged, the airflow into the combustion will reduce, and the engine will burn more fuel than normal. When the exhaust flow is limited, your acceleration will be affected, and you will press acceleration frequently. More acceleration introduces more fuel to the combustion chamber, leading to flooding.
A bad catalytic converter reduces the amount of oxygen flow into the combustion chamber, making the engine work harder to produce the energy required.
Conclusion
A faulty catalytic converter interferes with the normal operation of the engine. When you experience any of the above signs, conclude that your catalytic converter is faulty. Take your truck for a thorough mechanical checkup to fix it.