Catalytic Converter: Description and Operation

Catalytic Converters:

CAUTION: Prolonged operation with a misfiring or flooded engine may cause the converter to overheat. This could cause damage either to the catalyst itself or the operating vehicle and possible personal injury.

NOTICE: When jacking or lifting vehicle from frame side rails, be certain lift pads do not contact catalytic converter or damage to converter may result.

The catalytic converter is an emission control device added to the exhaust system to effectively reduce the levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and in some cases oxides of nitrogen, entering the atmosphere. The converter serves two purposes: it permits a faster chemical reaction to take place and although it enters into the chemical reaction, it remains unchanged, ready to repeat the process.
This device sometimes requires the use of heat shields, due to its high operating temperatures. The heat shields are necessary to protect chassis components, passenger compartment and other areas from heat related damage.

General Motors uses four different converter designs in conjunction with two types of catalysts. The four converter designs, are: single bed monolith, dual bed monolith, single bed pellet and dual bed pellet. The two types of catalysts used are an oxidation catalyst and a three-way (reduction) catalyst. The oxidation catalyst is coated with material containing platinum and palladium which lowers levels of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. The three-way (reduction) catalyst is coated with platinum and rhodium which lowers levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), as well as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
All dual bed converters, whether monolith or pellet type, contain both oxidation and three-way catalysts.

A small diameter fuel tank filler tube is used on catalytic converter equipped vehicles to prevent the larger service station pump nozzle, used for leaded fuels, being inserted into the filler tube. Since the use of leaded fuels contaminates the catalysts, rendering them ineffective, the use of unleaded fuels is mandatory in catalytic converter equipped vehicles.