Catalytic Converter Education Archive

Catalyst Basics: Platinum, palladium, and rhodium – key ingredients that make converters tick
Automotive exhaust contains three harmful pollutants, which are formed due to inefficiencies in the fuel combustion process…

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The Misleading Nature of the PO42O Code
Upon the arrival of the Onboard Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system, I remember thinking to myself that this new system was going to be the greatest thing to happen to vehicles since I had started working on them.

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Why Converters Fail
Most catalytic converters fail due to engine related problems. Replacing the catalytic converter without fixing the cause of the failure may lead to another ruined converter...

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O2 Sensors: FYI
How many oxygen sensors are on today’s engines?

ANSWER: It depends on the model year and type of engine. On most four- and straight six-cylinder engines, there is usually a single oxygen sensor mounted in the exhaust manifold. On V6, V8 and V10 engines, there are usually two oxygen sensors, one in each exhaust manifold...

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What is a Troy Ounce?
The troy system of weight is named after the city of Troyes in France, and was widely used in Europe during the Middle Ages. It fell into disuse when other systems began to be preferred, continuing to be used only in the highly specialized fields of precious metals, gems and medicines, up to the nineteenth century...

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A History of Platinum
Although the modern history of platinum only begins in the 18th century, platinum has been found in objects dating from 700 BC, in particular the famous Casket of Thebes (see image). This little box is decorated with hieroglyphics in gold, silver and an alloy of the platinum group metals...

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