A catalytic converter will rarely fail unless there's a problem or malfunction occurring somewhere in the emission system in front of the converter. It is important to determine what causes the catalytic converter failure so that he problem can be fixed and to prevent a recurrence of the failure. Though it is quite difficult to determine exactly what caused a catalytic converter failure, but some failure descriptions will help narrow down your search for the malfunction. Catalytic converter failure can take place as the result of an engine that is out of tune. Any time an engine is operating outside proper specifications, unnecessary wear and damage may be caused to the catalytic converter as well as the engine itself.

This damage is often the result of an incorrect air/fuel mixture, incorrect timing, or misfiring spark plugs. Any of these conditions could lead to a catalytic converter failure or worse. To know why a catalytic converter fails, first you need to know how it works. The catalytic converter is part of the automobile exhaust system. It converts harmful compounds in exhaust into harmless compounds. In a typical passenger car, the catalytic converter, which resembles a muffler in shape, is between the engine and the muffler.
Catalytic converters have been standard on U.S. automobiles since the mid-1970s. Leaded gasoline contaminates the catalyst used inside a catalytic converter, destroying its usefulness and leading to a clogged converter.

A catalytic converter failure can take place because of three possible reasons: Converter meltdown, carbon deposits, and catalyst fracture. The converter meltdown takes place when the converter is over-heated due to a raw fuel condition in the exhaust flow. The excess unburned fuel ignited when it struck the hot ceramic catalyst drives the temperature far above normal operating condition of the converter. The ceramic catalyst is unable to withstand the extremely high temperature and begins to melt. The ceramic collapses resulting in catalytic converter failure. In case of carbon deposits, oil or antifreeze enters the exhaust system or a too rich fuel mixture. The heavy carbon deposit clogs the converter and reduces exhaust flow thereby increasing the backpressure and causing the entire exhaust system to heat up.

The heat backs up into the engine compartment and may result in catalytic converter failure. Carbon deposits may be the result of faulty valves, worn piston rings, worn or leaking gaskets or lead in the fuel. In a catalyst fracture, the ceramic becomes loose, cracked and began to break down. The pieces began to obstruct flow, creating backpressure and increasing the heat in the exhaust system. Our web site offers A to Z of information on catalytic converter failure. Contact us if you have any questions on why ca catalytic converter failure takes place, and our experts will be at your disposal with the right answers.