Without the catalytic converter, carbon monoxide cannot be converted into carbon dioxide. This is the primary function of the catalytic converter in your European automobile. Kinetech Motor Werkes advises the catalytic converter can get clogged and malfunction. When this happens, you may need to replace the catalytic converter to restore its proper function. Here are the signs that your catalytic converter is having problems.
Acceleration Lag
One of the first things you might notice is that your vehicle’s acceleration will begin to lag. This is because the engine exhaust is not making its way out of the combustion chamber due to the clogged catalytic converter. Unfortunately, you will not be able to restore your European automobile’s acceleration until you get the catalytic converter replaced.
Engine Lag
The same is true with the engine. If the exhaust is stuck in the combustion chamber, your engine will perform sluggishly. It will stutter at higher speeds and lose power sporadically. This is because the combustion chamber is not cleared of exhaust so it can fire up more air and fuel. The clogged catalytic converter can also increase the air in the combustion chamber.
Dark Engine Exhaust
If fuel is increased instead, your vehicle will release dark engine exhaust that looks black. Sometimes, when the catalytic converter is malfunctioning, it unintentionally causes adjustments to the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. A rich fuel mixture will cause a surging engine that releases black exhaust in spurts out of the tailpipe.
Excessive Heat
You will also notice that your European automobile is extremely hot underneath. If the catalytic converter is not operating as it should be, your vehicle will overheat both underneath it and in the engine. It’s important that you avoid driving your European automobile when it is overheating. Doing so can cause unnecessary damage to the undercarriage and the engine.
Rotten Egg Odors
Finally, the above signs of a failing catalytic converter are often accompanied by the odor of rotten eggs. This is burning sulfur. You will smell the rotten eggs coming out of the engine bay. You may also smell them in your vehicle’s exhaust. The only other thing that generates a rotten egg smell is a leaking battery.
Kinetech Motor Werkes in Indian Trail, NC, would be happy to inspect your European automobile’s catalytic converter to see if it needs to be replaced. We will report to you what we find and await your approval of the necessary repairs.
