What could be causing a catalytic converter to burn up?
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19
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From: Austin, TX
What could be causing a catalytic converter to burn up?
Well, today I went to go to the local muffler shop that originally did work for me about a month or two ago because I have had some rattling in the back of my truck since the last time I had brought it in, and they told me that the cat had burnt up. They said it had something to do with an EGR valve and possibly some other problems (the EGR vavle I guess being the main reason considering that is the only one he really made a point to bring up) and so I was talking to my dad and he had said that when we had pulled codes on it before, it had brought that up. He also said that it shouldn't be the cause of the problem. The mechanic however said that since the fuel that doesn't get used isn't recycling that it is helping burn up the cat. Now to be honest with you I trust my dad, but what this mechanic told me kind of makes sense. Could anyone enlighten me on what's going on here?
I have a 1995 Mazda B2300, 4Cyl, Auto, Short Bed, Std. Cab.
Thanks in advance and if you need any extra info, please feel free to ask.
I have a 1995 Mazda B2300, 4Cyl, Auto, Short Bed, Std. Cab.
Thanks in advance and if you need any extra info, please feel free to ask.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
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From: Eastern WA
The EGR returns some exhaust to the intake and lowers combustion temps; this benefits emissions (NOX). The PCM will adjust the fuel/air mixture so there is no loss of performance. Any fuel returned to the intake is of minute quantities, therefore your dad is correct. I've never heard of an EGR issue that results in a failed converter. Missfire or an overly rich mixture on the other hand, will contribute to converter failure. Back when leaded gas was available, this was a dandy for taking out converters.
You're not adding anything to your gas are you?
You're not adding anything to your gas are you?
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by muscletruck7379
how many miles are you at?
Originally Posted by CowboyBilly9Mile
The EGR returns some exhaust to the intake and lowers combustion temps; this benefits emissions (NOX). The PCM will adjust the fuel/air mixture so there is no loss of performance. Any fuel returned to the intake is of minute quantities, therefore your dad is correct. I've never heard of an EGR issue that results in a failed converter. Missfire or an overly rich mixture on the other hand, will contribute to converter failure. Back when leaded gas was available, this was a dandy for taking out converters.
You're not adding anything to your gas are you?
You're not adding anything to your gas are you?
Also, what you said triggered something else I remember the mechanic saying. He said something about it was running rich. What could he have meant by that and what could cause that and help fix it? Thanks again!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 117
From: Virginia
Originally Posted by 95_mazda_b23
Also, what you said triggered something else I remember the mechanic saying. He said something about it was running rich. What could he have meant by that and what could cause that and help fix it? Thanks again!
(And they say curiosity was responsible for that..... lol)
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
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From: Eastern WA
I was wondering if you might come back and say you were experimenting with naphtha in the gas.
Evidence of running rich: poor gas mileage, spark plugs have black, sooty deposits, and after the engine is fully warm an excessive rotten egg smell to the exhaust.
Evidence of running rich: poor gas mileage, spark plugs have black, sooty deposits, and after the engine is fully warm an excessive rotten egg smell to the exhaust.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 180
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From: dallas
you might also want to check your O2 sensor. if its runnin rich your sensor can crap out on you and help screw up your cat. that happened on my 89 ranger.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 219
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From: Indianapolis, IN
I always think this is an interesting topic because back when i had my 98 dakota, I had the cat replaced 2 times before the warranty expired at 36,000 miles. The second time, it even clogged the exhaust so that it wouldn't rev over about 2 grand. Luckily, nothing broke (that was before I knew much of anything about cars....would never do that again..). The second one went out at like 20,000 miles and I said if it went out again, I wasn't letting the dealer get out of it by saying "they weren't sure why". But, suprisingly, it never broke again, and I had it till about 65,000 miles. Never did figure out what caused it though, just thought it was odd that it happened 2 times, but never again.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Austin, TX
Wow thanks for all of the replies! I was talking with my dad and what he said was happening was that the purge hose needed to be replaced and that we needed to either clean off or get another EGR Valve and that should fix the running rich problem. Then go back and get the cat replaced. Thanks for all your help!