Show Catalytic Converter Debut To meet the 1975 federal exhaust emission the car manufacturers individually decided that the most practical way was to use the much talked about catalytic About 75 to 80 percent of the new models are expected to be equipped with the RESEMBLING a car's muffler in this new piece of hardware is connected to the exhaust Its purpose is to further reduce the amount of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the car's Inside the converter is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without itself being The catalyst used in this case is a combination of platinum and palladium metals which are coated on small beads or a honeycomb depending on the type WHEN the exhaust gas passes over the beads or through the a chemical reaction occurs that causes the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide to combine with air or oxygen and form water and carbon The catalyst is coated on the beads or honeycomb to increase surface area that is exposed to the exhaust The surface area of pellets contained in a six and one-half inch square box is equal to more than 59 football GOVERNMENT regulations require that the catalyst be designed to function for miles or five years before it When it does need the catalyst material can be removed from the convener and new material It will not be under normal to replace the entire catalytic The catalyst material can be replaced without removing the CRUCIAL to the life of the catalyst is the use of unleaded since lead will destroy its |