Regular inspection of the condition of the exhaust neutralizer allows you to promptly identify problems and prevent serious breakdowns. Professional diagnostics helps to determine the efficiency of the component and the need for its replacement. If diagnostics have shown that the exhaust gas converter requires replacement, do not rush to throw it away – at the AutoCatalyst service you can sell the old device and receive decent compensation for it.
Basic set of tools
For an initial assessment of the condition of the converter, you will need several basic tools. It is worth noting that even used Ford catalytic converters can have a fairly high cost due to the content of precious metals, so high-quality diagnostics will help make the right decision about the need for replacement.
For accurate diagnostics of the exhaust gas purifier, the following devices are used:
- A gas analyzer allows you to determine the composition of the exhaust gases and the efficiency of the converter by measuring the concentration of harmful substances at the outlet. Modern models are able to determine the content of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, which gives a complete picture of the performance of the exhaust gas cleaning system. The device must have high measurement accuracy and be regularly calibrated.
- A compression tester with a pressure gauge helps measure the back pressure in the exhaust system. Increased resistance to gas flow may indicate clogging of the internal structure of the neutralizer or destruction of the ceramic block.
Measurements are taken through a special hole before and after the exhaust gas converter, which allows you to accurately determine the pressure drop in this section of the system.
Auxiliary diagnostic devices
Accurate assessment of the condition of the neutralizer requires the use of additional tools:
- An endoscope with backlighting and a high-resolution camera allows you to visually assess the condition of the internal surface of the converter. With its help, you can detect mechanical damage, traces of melting or destruction of the honeycomb structure. A flexible probe at least a meter long makes it possible to inspect hard-to-reach areas without dismantling the components of the exhaust system.
- A diagnostic scanner with the function of reading oxygen sensor data helps to evaluate the efficiency of the purifier by analyzing the readings of the lambda probes. Sharp fluctuations in readings or constant enrichment of the mixture may indicate a malfunction of the internal structure of the neutralizer.
Having high-quality measuring equipment allows you to get an objective picture of the system’s condition.
Features of diagnostics
Diagnostics of the exhaust gas converter requires compliance with a certain sequence of actions and taking into account temperature conditions. Measurements should be taken on a warmed-up engine running at idle speed. It is important to take into account the history of vehicle operation and possible causes of the neutralizer failure.
Interpretation of results
The data obtained during diagnostics require competent interpretation. Deviation of indicators from the norm may indicate various malfunctions. Analysis of a set of parameters allows you to accurately determine the nature of the problem and the need to replace the exhaust gas purifier.
High-quality diagnostics of the exhaust gas converter is possible only with the appropriate tools. An integrated approach to checking the condition of the neutralizer allows you to make an informed decision about the need to replace it.
