This article focus on vehicles that have developed a reputation for triggering the check engine light (CEL, P420) and being difficult to resolve with anything short of a new dealer part. Several manufacturers are researching the problem in an effort to find a solution.  So far the best solutions they have come up with is to make a larger hotter brick or to increase the cerium content.  This helps to some extent, but the designs that many of these companies they come up with often involve relocating the O2 sensor behind the converters, or otherwise tampering with the design.  Even the latest implementation of high efficiency converters have not succeeded in consistently keeping the CEL off.  In this issue, I will tell you why their best efforts have not succeeded and why the part that we supply from stock solves this problem.
 
Is the engine really tuned?
We should all understand that catalytic converters only function properly when the vehicle is properly tuned.  However, there are circumstances where the converter has failed for no apparent reason.  This baffling phenomenon has become more common on today’s OBD-II vehicles.  One can replace sensors, plugs, wires, and do all the required tune up items and despite this, the vehicle often continues to trigger the CEL even after tune up work is performed and the converter is replaced.  On possibility of what is really happening is that the fuel air mixture is not burning completely.  Inside the combustion chamber, carbon can build up, as the fuel/air mixture is compressed in the chamber this carbon build up absorbs fuel and oxygen like a sponge, thus a portion of the mixture does not burn along with the rest of the mixture.  Instead, it gets released when the combustion chamber depressurizes.  The primary O2 sensor detects the excessive oxygen content in the mixture (remember, it didn’t get used for combustion) and richens the mixture.  This causes several problems, including additional carbon build up.
 
How Does this Affect Catalytic Converter Function?
The converter depends upon a proper fuel to air ratio to operate properly.  The extra oxygen saturates the cerium in the catalytic converter.  (See Catalytic Converter Theory Operation and Testing pg.6) If the converter cannot store oxygen properly, it does not cycle properly.  The rear O2 sensor measures for proper oxygen storage and an overall drop in oxygen content of the exhaust gases.  Since the converter cannot operate efficiently under these conditions, the computer sets a P420 code.  Replacing the converter may temporarily clear the light, but unless the underlying cause is corrected, the issue will continue to return.  The initial solution is to remove the carbon build up from the combustion chamber.  This can be done with a number of products and methods, but is basically performed by metering a solvent into the into the engine through a vacuum line or direct injection into the fuel rail.  This removes the carbon build up and restores the engine to original operating specifications.
 
How does the Bear River Converters Part Differ from Other Parts on the Market?
Every competitive product we have seen on the market today has one crucial flaw.  They are designed as a one-size-fits-all, and instead of building them to a quality standard, most of them are manufactured to a price standard.  The product we supply is manufactured specifically for these applications.  It utilizes some of the most advanced coating technologies to form what we call a catalyst polymer.   We have continuously updated and revised the design to implement the latest catalyst technology. It contains more cerium than conventional catalysts, and uses a blend of materials which improve its low temperature operation, its durability, and total efficiency. All of these factors result in a converter that lasts longer, and works better in a braoder range of applications, especially applications which are more sensitive to catalyst function.
 
What Parts are Available and What Models are Covered?
We carry parts for a wide variety of application including, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Acura TL, Acura RSX, Honda Odyssey, Chevy Impala, Chevy Malibu, Pontiac Grand Prix, Pontiac Grand Am, Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Alero , and many more.
 

 

Bear River Converters
We are the catalytic converter experts!
Selling superior quality converters, flex pipe, and stainless tips.
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We carry an extensive line of premium quality converters. If you need a converter, we will get it for you!
This guide was written by Bear River Converters, the catalytic converter experts. To find a complete line of premium quality converters, flex pipe, and stainless steel tips, visit our eBay store here.
To contact us:
Bear River Converters
1877 W. Park Avenue
Riverton, UT 84065

Web: www.bearriverconverters.com
Phone: 888-782-8825 (Toll Free)
Fax: 801-446-4511
E-mail: brc@bearriverconverters.com