The process of combustion produces toxic chemical byproducts, and these chemicals are dangerous to the environment. The catalytic converter in your Hyundai converts these dangerous chemicals into less harmful substances. This process, however, takes its toll on the converter, and it will eventually need to be replaced. As your Hyundai dealer, we’d like you to know the signs that you need a new converter.
Hydrogen Sulfide Smell
Hydrogen sulfide is a poisonous, invisible gas that’s produced through combustion. In your engine, air mixes with fuel and is ignited by the spark plugs. Most of the fuel is consumed by combustion, and the remainder is ejected from the cylinders as they reopen. This small reminder of burnt fuel is forced towards the converter and the exhaust pipe.
This burnt fuel reacts with the platinum, rhodium, and other metals that make up the converter, and the harmful gases are removed. If your converter is failing, this conversion process won’t happen, and the sulfur dioxide and other chemicals will pass through and exit the exhaust pipe. The characteristic smell of rotten eggs from the sulfide is a sign that the converter needs to be replaced.
Black Smoke From the Exhaust
Normal exhaust smoke is white or gray-white and doesn’t have a very strong smell. If you see black smoke billowing from your exhaust, this means that there’s a problem with your converter. The black smoke is composed of carbon from unburnt fuel that hasn’t been converted. When your converter is working correctly, it will remove the excess carbon before it reaches the exhaust.
Our technicians will check the converter for the cause of the problem. The converter may have failed and is no longer removing the carbon, and we would need to replace the converter. It may also have been blocked by an excessive amount of carbon from a combustion problem, like misfiring cylinders. If the converter is undamaged and only needs cleaning, we can fix it.
Reduced Efficiency
If the converter is blocked due to a carbon build-up, this will block the outflow of exhaust gases. Since the gases can’t leave through the exhaust, they will create backpressure. This backpressure meets the gases being forced out of the engine due to continued combustion. The pressure created in your engine by these gases will cause problems for your engine.
You’ll notice that acceleration decreases, so instead of your Hyundai leaping forward when you step on the gas, it will feel like it’s lurching. The backpressure will also lead to fuel inefficiency as the gas buildup creates a fuel-rich environment. Your engine will produce a strong fuel smell, and the spark plugs will be damaged by the excessive amount of carbon in the system.
Your converter will usually last for many years, and if your car is regularly serviced we can check its status regularly. If your experience problems with your converter, call us immediately at Crain Hyundai of Little Rock.
Image via Hyundai.
Connect with us
