It might seem strange that the catalytic converter can affect how well your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine performs, but it can. The most common problem with the catalytic converter is that it can get clogged with carbon deposits after years of treating engine exhaust. United Auto Care advises that once the converter gets clogged, the exhaust has nowhere to go except back into the combustion chamber. Unfortunately, the following problems with your automobile will ensue.
Performance Trouble
Once the combustion chamber produces exhaust, it is routed out of the chamber so fresh combustion can occur. If the chamber is filled with old exhaust, the air and fuel will have a more difficult time firing up. Consequently, you’ll end up with engine performance issues such as sluggish acceleration and sputtering. The sputtering will be noticeable as you pick up speed and when you are sitting at an idle. It’s important to have this engine trouble looked into as soon as possible to avoid damage to the engine and the environment. A clogged catalytic converter cannot treat the exhaust to make it safe.
Rotten Egg Odor
You will be able to tell that your exhaust is not being treated because it will smell like rotten eggs. This odor is actually sulfur, and rotten egg exhaust is a clearcut sign that your catalytic converter is going bad. You might also notice this awful smell coming up from underneath your vehicle. Some drivers can also smell it in their engine bays. As with the performance trouble listed above, it’s also important to have your vehicle checked right away if you smell rotten eggs coming from it.
Black Exhaust Smoke
Black exhaust smoke also points to a problem with the catalytic converter. This is a symptom of untreated exhaust that is too rich in hydrocarbons. If the catalytic converter is unable to convert these hydrocarbons, you will be releasing toxic gases into the air every time you drive your automobile.
Black exhaust smoke can also be caused by an imbalance in the combustion chamber that is too rich in fuel. The malfunctioning catalytic converter can cause this imbalance.
A Ton of Heat
Finally, the malfunctioning catalytic converter will also produce a ton of heat underneath your automobile. This heat will escape out from underneath the vehicle and also into the engine. Once the heat is in the engine, your engine will overheat.
Call United Auto Care in Flowery Branch, GA, today if you suspect you’ve got catalytic converter problems. We will inspect the converter and replace it if it needs it.
