Note: The catalytic converter is not a filter. It creates a chemical reaction, but it does not affect it.
Description
1. Some models are equipped with a catalytic converter to reduce exhaust emissions. The converter can be installed on models with an engine whose code begins with the letter "WITH" or "X".
2. The catalytic converter causes a reaction that converts potentially harmful hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases into harmless gases and water vapour. The converter consists of a steel vessel containing ceramic honeycombs coated with a catalyst. The catalyst is a mixture of three precious metals, platinum, palladium and iridium.
3. Exhaust gases pass freely through the honeycomb where the catalyst speeds up the chemical reaction.
4. To avoid catalytic converter damage, the engine must always be properly adjusted, and must always be run on unleaded gasoline. Normal leaded gasoline "celebrates" catalyst and therefore should not be used.
5. To allow the Motronic engine management system to achieve complete combustion of the air-fuel mixture, and thus minimize exhaust emissions, an oxygen sensor is installed in the exhaust gas stream. The sensor monitors the level of oxygen in the exhaust gas, and sends a signal to the Motronic unit. The unit constantly changes the fuel-to-air ratio within small limits to reduce emissions and allow the catalytic converter to operate at maximum efficiency. Therefore, on models equipped with a catalytic converter, no idle mixture adjustment is possible
General information
6. Exhaust gas from a gasoline engine is 99% nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), other inert gases and steam (H2O). The remaining 1% are harmful substances that harm the environment. Carbon monoxide (SO), unburned hydrocarbons (PS), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and some solids.
7. The device that cleans the exhaust gases is called a catalytic converter. It is installed in the car exhaust system and uses precious metals (platinum and palladium or iridium) as catalysts to speed up the reaction between pollutants and oxygen in exhaust gases. CO and HC are further oxidized to H2O and CO2 And (in a three-stage catalytic converter) NOx decomposes to N
8. The converter consists of ceramic honeycombs coated with a combination of precious metals in such a way as to form the maximum area over which the exhaust gases must flow. A three-stage closed-loop converter can destroy more than 90% of contaminants.
9. The catalytic converter is a reliable and simple device that does not require maintenance. However, there are some recommendations that the owner must follow in order for the converter to function properly for a long time (see illustration).
- A) do not use leaded gasoline. if the vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter. The coating will coat the precious metals, reducing their conversion efficiency and eventually destroying the converter.
- b) Always keep the ignition and fuel system in good condition (see "Maintenance" and related Section). In particular, replace the air filter element, fuel filter and spark plugs in time. If the inlet air/fuel mixture becomes too rich, unburned fuel will enter the converter and burn there, overheating the element and eventually destroying the converter.
- c) If the engine is misfiring, do not operate the vehicle (or at least as little as possible) until the damage is repaired Due to misfiring, unburned fuel enters the converter, it overheats and fails.
- d) Engine control indicator (image of an engine with lightning), lights up when the ignition is turned on and the engine is started, and then goes out. When the engine is running, it may light up briefly and then immediately go out. If the indicator comes on and does not go out while the engine is running, seek advice from your Opel dealer as soon as possible. If damage occurs in the fuel injection/ignition system, in addition to increased fuel consumption and the fact that this can adversely affect the engine, the catalytic converter may also fail.
- e) do not attempt to start the vehicle from a tow. The catalytic converter will become soaked with unburned fuel, which may cause overheating after starting. (b) higher.
- f) do not turn off the ignition at high engine speeds. If the ignition is turned off for any reason while the engine is running above idle speed, unburned fuel (very hot) gets into the catalytic converter, the element may catch fire and damage the converter.
- g) do not use engine oil or fuel additives. They may contain substances harmful to the catalytic converter
- h) do not operate the vehicle if the oil burns to visible blue smoke. Unburnt soot will clog the converter channels and reduce its efficiency; in severe cases, the element may overheat.
- i) Remember that the catalytic converter operates at very high temperatures, therefore the heat shields on the underside of the vehicle and the bodywork will be so hot that they can ignite combustible materials. who may be nearby. DO NOT park on dry leaves in long grass.
- j) Remember that the catalytic converter is extremely FRAGILE. Do not hit it with tools when servicing. Take special care when working on the exhaust system. Do not drive on roads with high ledges, etc., so as not to catch the exhaust system,
- k) In some cases, especially when the vehicle is new and/or has been used in such a way that it is often necessary to turn off and restart the engine, hydrogen sulfide odor may be emitted from the exhaust system (rotten eggs). This happens with many vehicles equipped with a catalytic converter. The reason for the smell is a small amount of sulfur in gasoline reacting with hydrogen in the exhaust system, resulting in the formation of hydrogen sulfide (CS). Although this gas is poisonous, it is not produced in sufficient quantities. After running a few thousand kilometers, the problem should disappear. It can also happen due to a change in driving style or brand of gasoline.
- l) The catalytic converter on a car that is in good condition and well adjusted should be used for 80,000-160,000 km.
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