How Engine Problems Lead to Catalytic Converter Failure in European Cars

There are certain components in European cars that are least discussed but play a critical role in the smooth running and better performance of the vehicle. The catalytic converter is one such component, which is responsible for controlling the emission of harmful gases from your vehicle.

In fact, the catalytic converter is responsible for converting the harmful emission gases into less harmful gases before they leave your vehicle. Now, problems in the functioning of the engine can lead to catalytic converter failure in your European car. In this article, we will discuss the ways engine issues affect catalytic converter failure in high-end cars.

Engine Misfires

One of the leading causes behind catalytic converter failure in European cars is linked to engine misfires. In fact, engine misfires is often linked to the failure of one or more cylinders in igniting the air-fuel mixture properly. Most of the time engine misfires in high-end European cars are linked to worn out spark plugs, malfunctioning ignition coils, failing injectors, or fuel delivery problems that needs to be addressed promptly.

Often the misfiring of the cylinder leads to unburned fuel leaving the combustion chamber and getting into the catalytic converter of your vehicle. The catalytic converter is designed to process exhaust gases and when unburnt fuel gets inside the converter it fails to get rid of them, which can have an adverse effect on the functioning of the converter itself.

Now, if you are driving a European car equipped with a turbocharged engine, then the chances of encountering the problem increases drastically. In fact, if the engine misfire problem isn’t addressed in time, then it can completely damage the catalytic converter in your vehicle.

Coolant Leaks

At times, it is seen that internal coolant leaks can adversely affect the functioning of the catalytic converter in high-end European cars. Most of the time failing head gaskets, cracked cylinder heads, or damaged engine blocks makes it possible for coolant to enter the combustion chamber.

Now, when the coolant gets burned in the combustion chamber, then its byproducts prove to be very damaging for the catalytic converter. This is because the catalytic converter is made up of precious metals, and the chemical byproducts in the form of silicates and other metals tend to contaminate the catalytic converter.

In fact, these substances tend to form a barrier that prevents the catalytic converter from properly processing the exhaust gases. Furthermore, the European cars come equipped with highly advanced cooling systems and aluminium cylinder heads.

These systems are highly effective; however, even a small coolant leak can have a devastating effect on the catalytic converter of your vehicle. This is when you might come across white colored exhaust smoke coming out of the exhaust system of your vehicle. Along with that you might experience rough engine operation and recurring emissions-related fault codes.

Excessive Oil Consumption

Over the years as your vehicle begins to gain miles, the oil consumption seems to go up. This is because damaged piston rings, deteriorated valve stem seals, malfunctioning crankcase ventilation systems, and turbocharger seal failures makes it possible for the engine oil to enter the combustion chamber.

As the engine gets burned in the combustion chamber it leaves behind ash deposits and other contaminants. Now these residues when they reach the combustion chamber tend to coat the catalytic converter’s precious metal surfaces, which adversely affects their functioning.

Now, this is a slow deterioration process for the catalytic converter and the problem may not seem to manifest completely in the beginning; however, with time you will find that your catalytic converter seems to fail completely, and will make it difficult for you to drive your car.

Failing Turbocharger

The turbocharger helps in boosting the performance of your high-end European car. Nevertheless, a malfunctioning turbocharger can have a direct impact on the functioning of the catalytic converter of your vehicle. Most of the time it is seen that a failing turbocharger leads to engine oil leak that enter the intake or exhaust system.

This is going to increase the exhaust temperature beyond the normal temperature, which will take a toll on the working of the catalytic converter of your European car. In fact, turbocharger failure might send metal fragments into the catalytic converter, thus completely damaging it.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the ways engine problems tend to affect the functioning of the catalytic converter and might even lead to its complete failure. You should get your vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic immediately whenever there is something wrong with the engine of your car.

With over 31 years of exceptional service, Bavarian Performance is now the number one German auto repair shop in the Conejo Valley area & the proud winner of “Best Mechanics in Town Award”.