If you have been driving your import for 10 years or more, the catalytic converter is going to get clogged sooner rather than later. The clogs occur because carbon and sulfur build up inside the catalytic converter as it treats the exhaust. Don’t worry. Car Doctors Auto Repair can replace your catalytic converter when it needs it. The following are signs that the catalytic converter is clogged and malfunctioning.
Engine Performance Lag
Oftentimes, your engine will start to lag if the catalytic converter is clogged. This is because the combustion chamber fills with exhaust that cannot exit through the tailpipe. If the catalytic converter is severely clogged, the exhaust will not make it past the honeycomb interior. When the exhaust fills the chamber, it affects your engine’s performance.
Reduced Fuel Economy
You will also notice a reduction in your fuel economy because of the poor engine performance. Unfortunately, the only way to restore the gas mileage is to replace the catalytic converter so your engine will operate as it should. Until such time, your import will suffer from poor fuel economy that will leave you heading to the service station more often.
Dark Exhaust Smoke
If your import is releasing dark exhaust smoke, this is a sign that the exhaust has not been treated by the catalytic converter. The dark exhaust smoke can also be produced by the excess fuel that the engine is burning as it struggles to perform.
Rancid Exhaust Smells
Your imports exhaust may also smell rancid, like rotten eggs, if the catalytic converter is clogged with sulfur deposits. Burning sulfur smells like rotten eggs, and there are two parts in your import that can produce this odor. One is the catalytic converter, and the other is your import’s battery if it starts to leak battery acid.
Heat Under the Import
You may also end up with excessive heat underneath your import if the catalytic converter is clogged and malfunctioning. When the catalytic converter starts to overheat, it releases the heat underneath the automobile. Oftentimes, the heat will rise and overheat the engine.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, you may end up with the check engine light on the dashboard if the catalytic converter is malfunctioning. The engine control module will turn on the check engine light if there is a problem that it cannot fix itself.
Call Car Doctors Auto Repair in Athens, GA, today if your import is having any of the problems discussed above. We will inspect the catalytic converter and replace it if necessary.
