Catalytic Converter Testing
How to Test a Catalytic Converter Efficiency Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete this Test
Instructions Step 1 - After driving the car for at least 15 minuets park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake, start the engine, and allow it idle. Step 2 - Using a temperature probe (infrared meter), check the difference in exhaust temperature at both the inlet and outlet of the converter. The temperature exiting the converter should be around 30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit hotter. On older vehicles with carburetor, the temperature difference will be closer to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Step 3 - If the temperature doesn’t change, the converter could be bad inside. To check, shut off the engine and allow the exhaust to cool. Once cooled remove the catalytic convert and inspect. If the honey comb is broken out the converter has failed and needs replacing.
How to Test for a Plugged Catalytic Converter
Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete this Job 1. Vacuum gauge 2. Flashlight 3. Needle Nose Pliers
Instructions Step 1 - Attach a vacuum gauge to a vacuum port on the intake. Step 2 - Start the engine and check the intake vacuum. That is your baseline. Normal pressure should be between 15 and 22 inches of vacuum. Step 3 - Rev the engine to 2,500 RPM’s. There should be a brief time that the pressure drops, but it should return to nearly the baseline pressure you had at idle within a few seconds. Step 4 - Keep the engine at 2,500 RPM’s and watch the vacuum gauge. If it is low or continues to drop, that is a good indication that there is a blockage in the exhaust system causing back pressure to build. The most likely problem is the converter.
Best Practices It is important to mention that a faulty converter is usually caused by something other than the converter itself. Therefore, it is important to determine what caused the problem. Otherwise, you will be replacing a new converter soon after it is installed. By J. Feliciani / AKA Jacobandnickolas. The exhaust system in your vehicle is designed to release exhaust gases from the engine to the rear of the car. This system is designed to have about 3 pounds of exhaust backpressure under heavy throttle. This means the engine should not have to push more than 3 pounds of pressure to release the exhaust at any given time. If a catalytic converter plugs or breaks apart it will plug the exhaust system causing engine surging, low power and stalling. Because of the extreme temperatures the catalytic converter produces the catalyst material can crack and break apart clogging the outlet port of the converter causing low power and stalling.