Catalytic Converter: Testing and Inspection
INSPECTION
ON VEHICLE
Look at the stainless steel body of the Catalytic Converter assembly, inspect for bulging or other distortion that could be a result of overheating. Inspect for:
- Indiction of exhaust gas leakage such as soot trails.
- Temperature sensor wiring for damage
- Joint misalignment
- Denting of greater then 6.3 mm (0.25 in.)
- Outer shell torn, cracked or otherwise damaged
- Loose or damaged core
OFF VEHICLE
With Catalytic Converter assembly off the vehicle and separated, visually inspect ceramic faces (Inlet and Outlet) for indication of damage from:
- Fuel fouling
- Oil fouling
- Coolant fouling
- Shifted or move ceramic element
- Ceramic element appears to be plugged and the soot is wet
- More then 20 cells are damaged (broken through), showing soot on the outlet face of the filter.