A catalytic converter is one of the few spare parts in the vehicle structure that some vehicle users are not even aware of. As a rule, it is remembered only with the appearance of malfunctioning signs in the exhaust system. And this news becomes extremely unpleasant since the cost of this part is quite high. But in the event of the failure, do not throw away or leave the removed catalytic converter in the workshop.
Autocatalyst Market is the world’s best-known scrap dealer of out-of-operation exhaust gas converters, so it buys these parts. Vehicle users will be able to sell the failed spare part through the company’s website profitably and quickly because dealers offer a high price for out-of-operation catalytic converters. Let us consider the reasons behind it and why anyone would wish to buy catalytic converters as most often, they cannot be brought back to useful life and operated as intended.
Why do dealers buy out-of-operation catalytic converters
The scrap dealers of catalytic converters value not the parts, but the rare earth metals they contain. The most expensive are:
- platinum;
- rhodium;
- palladium.
Manufacturers use these materials to cover the surface of the ceramic channels of the inner part of the catalytic converter. When exposed to pressures and temperatures ranging from 300 to 850 degrees Celsius, these elements cause chemical reactions that result in exhaust purification.
The price of an out-of-operation catalytic converter depends on the residual amount of precious metals and the elements used as a catalytic coating. Each manufacturer uses different elements and in different proportions.
Reasons for failure
Catalytic converters fail for the following reasons:
- the channels of the inner unit are clogged;
- mechanical damage occurs;
- the catalytic coating wears out;
- the metal coating is melted.
The greatest damage to catalytic converters is caused by the use of low-quality fuel, driving on bad roads, as well as dangerous driving.
It is necessary to pay special attention to the proper operation of the ignition system. In case of incomplete combustion of fuel in the engine cylinders, it burns out directly in the exhaust system. This heats up the converter’s inner block to temperatures above acceptable levels, which causes damage to the catalytic coating. Also, the fuel can detonate near the catalytic converter, and this is dangerous for the ceramic honeycomb because the structure is quite fragile and can break.
Replacement or removal?
Needless to say, the most reliable repair method is to replace the catalytic converter with a new part. But this option is expensive since the spare part is not cheap (even if you buy not the genuine converter, but it’s analog).
Most often, car owners simply remove the converter or weld a dummy sensor in its place. In most cases, this method additionally requires ECM reflashing. It must be remembered that when the catalytic converter is removed, the vehicle will no longer comply with the declared environmental standards.
