We live in a world full of pollution. Our environment is getting polluted every minute in many ways.
With the advancement of technology and industrial revolution, the level of pollution is increasing at a geometric rate. The dream of green earth is getting blurred as we continue to destroy our surroundings with more and more pollution.
If you have senior citizens living in your house, just ask them about the fresh air they used to enjoy during their young age. Most of them would complain about environment being contaminated.
It goes without saying that we are collectively suffering for the environmental pollution. There is still no outline for emission control in most of the developing countries.
Dhaka, Bangladesh is the most polluted city in the world. It has almost 50 million inhabitants and it has been declared as the most unlivable city of the world. Imagine, how difficult life is for people to live in a city like this!
Our ecosystem is getting destroyed due to pollution. Global warming is increasing and sea level is raising. Environment pollution incurs great cost on environment and society.
If we do not look for ways to reduce the emission, we may end up destroying our natural habitat.
Catalytic Converter, a Bright Hope!
Fortunately, there are hopes. We are hopeful to find the rays of light after long periods of darkness. Nowadays, most of the governments are taking Incentives to reduce emission. Many organizations are actively campaigning to reduce emission and raise awareness.
Even scientists are trying to invent tools that will help reducing environmental pollution in the industrial sector.
One such tool is catalytic converter. Many governments have made it mandatory to install catalytic converter in vehicles and workplaces.
Read Also: Steps To Select Good Quality Cold Air Intake For Your Car
What Does A Catalytic Converter Do?
Industrialization is often held responsibility for widespread industrial pollution. High performance combustion engine releases poisonous gas and other harmful particles in environment. In developing countries, scraps from industrial areas are often dumped into rivers leading to water pollution.
Many people own private vehicles. Harmful gas released from vehicles also pollute the air. It is detrimental for our health as well.
Herein, catalytic converter is considered to be a relief for its operation.
Gasoline or diesel fueled engine releases poisonous gas and particulates that are harmful. Catalytic converter reacts with those harmful gas and converts them into less harmful particles. It uses oxidization method and yields carbon dioxide and water. Later, it releases them in the environment.
Why Is the Device Important?
Catalytic converter not only emits pollution in industries, but it can also reduce pollution in our home and offices. These converters can be used in generators, vehicles, stove burners and other lean burnt engines.
Most of the developed countries have made it mandatory to install catalytic converter in vehicles. As the governments have enacted laws, car manufacturing companies are pre-installing them in their cars before releasing their vehicles in market.
Even many developing countries are going to make the use of this converter mandatory soon.
Checking Your Catalyst Converter
Catalytic converters may fail after long usage. If you regularly drive your car or if your engine is not in good situation, it will put extra pressure on converter. The catalyst substance may crack after frequent use.
So, you should regularly check whether it is working or not.
But how do you know if your catalytic converter is working or not?
You can identify if your converter is failing by following few tests mentioned below.
- Check if the engine light is on or not. Upon failure of converter, engine light activates.
- When converter is not working, your vehicle’s performance will drop. If your engine is performing feebly, you should go for an emission test.
- If you find out poor mileage on your vehicle, you should be alert. Often mileage drops as the converter stops working.
If you notice any of the abovementioned indication, go for an emission test. If your vehicle fails in the emission test, then need to replace your converter with a new one.
Otherwise, you may end up breaking traffic laws. Besides, such a device will help keeping your environment clean.
How to Replace and Install Catalytic Converter Easily?
If you are living in a country that has made the use of this converter mandatory, you should know how to replace and install this device easily.
In this article, we will teach you how to replace and install catalytic converters easily.
For replacement and installation, follow the steps mentioned below.
1. Locate the Converter
In modern automobiles, catalytic converter comes as a part of the exhaust system. The most common place for converter is to be just behind the exhaust manifold, which is generally in the front portion of most vehicles.
It might be installed in the exhaust manifold with a built-in setup. Otherwise, it will be bolted in the exhaust system. If the converter is welded on vehicle, you should look under the hoods. So, the first step is to determine the location and set-up system of the converter.
2. Lift the Car
Park the car in a flat place and apply the handbrake. Take some wood blocks behind both rear tires for added safety. Use a lifting jack to lift the car from ground. Make sure that your vehicle is stable.
Also Read: Floor Jack Fixing Tips
3. Wait for the Converter to Cool Down
Catalytic converter works with very hot exhaust gas. So, it can be very hot. You should wait for the temperature to cool down.
4. Remove Obstructions
Remove any wires, covers or heat shields that may obstruct you during the uninstallation process. Keep them in a safe place because you need to re install them after installing the new converter.
5. Prepare the Necessary Tools
Determine which tools you will be needing in the installation and removal process. The necessary tools may vary depending upon the condition, type and location of your existing converter.
Generally, you will be needing mechanic tool box or some ratchets, wrenches, a hammer and a floor jack. You should wear safety glass to protect your eyes from accident. You will also require some penetrating oil for lubrication.
6. Apply Lubrication
As the converter is located below the exhaust, it can get rusty. The high temperature can make the nuts and bolts tarnished. As a result, it might become very difficult to unbolt these openers.
If you apply too much pressure, you might break them and make the situation complicated. Rather, you should apply lubrication in the bolts first. Soak them in plenty of penetrating oil. Wait for couple of minutes and allow the bolts to gulp the oil.
7. Disconnect Necessary Sensors
Before replacing the converter, you should disconnect the negative battery in your car first. Secondly, look out for any oxygen sensor. If you find any oxygen sensor near the converter, disconnect it as well. Lastly, you need to disconnect the wires of air tubes if they are connected with the converter.
8. Check Out the New Converter
Take a close look on your new device. If it is the same model of the existing one, you will be able to identify whether you need to disconnect anything more or not. For example, you may miss out finding the oxygen sensor.
In this instance, look at the new converter for oxygen sensor. If the new one allows connection to sensor, then you should look more closely for the sensor connector in the existing sensor. Examine the new converter to determine all the connection points also.
Also Read: Common Symptoms of a Failed Fuel Pressure Sensor
9. Remove the Converter
Use the necessary tools to remove the fasteners. You may need ratchet and wrench of different sizes. Slowly unbolt the fasteners as they are prone to rust. You might need a hammer to replace the converter.
Practice necessary precautions. If you remove all the bolts, nuts and hardware accurately, the converter should be free.
10. Install the Converter
Clean up the connecting points with a rug first. Then Install the converter by reversing the steps for removal. You probably need an assistant for holding up the device in correct position. Adjust and tighten the fasteners carefully.
Apply penetrating oil where needed. Connect the sensors that you have previously disconnected.
11. Test the Converter
Start the engine and check if the converter is functioning or not. Inspect for leakages. If you find any leaks, you need to tighten up the bolts. In case your bolt is too much ragged, you need to change it with new bolts.
12. Put the Car Down
Safely put the car down and remove the jack. You may test drive your car to check if you are good to go.
So, by following these steps, you can install catalytic converters easily. If you do not feel safe, you can seek the help from experts.
In case your converter is welded under the hood of vehicle, removal process becomes harder. So, always take precautions and safety measures.
Conclusion
Catalytic converters should be installed in your vehicle and diesel engines even if the government does not force you. It is high time we should take care of our environment and make this planet as much livable as possible.
