Catalytic Converter

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January 11, 2023

by Buddy Rausch

CHICO CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Tedious Repairs offers catalytic converter replacement on most makes and model cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and fleet vehicles. We replace manifold cats along with weld and bolts-on. We have helped people get past smog with new converters and have fixed cars that have had them cut off and stolen. Tedious Repairs is ready for the task of performing top-rated catalytic converter replacement near me in Chico, California. We also offer a full-service auto shop for all your other automotive needs.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPAIR IN CHICO, CA

Catalytic converters were initially designed in the 1900s. These catalytic converters were made out of very different materials than the ones we use today. According to Wikipedia, “…these prototypes had an inert clay-based material coated with platinum, iridium, and palladium and sealed into a double metallic cylinder…”

As cars became more and more popular, automotive manufacturing companies knew they needed to make something that would slow down pollution. So in 1973, the first catalytic converter was made. John J. Mooney and Carl D invented it.

From that point forward, all cars 1975 and newer were equipped with catalytic converters because of a law passed that same year. It stated that all vehicles must have catalytic converts. This law was set in place by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In 1982, 2-way catalytic converters were replaced by three-way catalytic converters. Three-way converters reduced nitrogen from the air as well. However, as two-way were still used, they were not as good as three-way converters.

CATALYTIC CONVERTERS REPLACEMENT NEAR ME

Your Vehicles catalytic converter is an emissions device that converts toxic gases and vehicle emissions into less-toxic cleaner pollutants. This is done by catalyzing a redox reaction (an oxidation and a reduction reaction). Catalytic converters are used by all motor vehicles in California on any gas vehicle 1975 and newer and any Diesel vehicle 2001 and newer.
Aftermarket catalytic converters must be carb-certified compliant on the BAR webpage. You can see if your cat is legal.

Many people turn online or try to find a new or used Catalytic converter. Unfortunately, you may not do either legally. All converters in the state of California are only allowed to be sold fresh. This means that federal converters can not be installed on California cars. Also, you can not have cat deletes, x-pipe, or anything else. In California, all vehicles must have car-compliant numbers that match the online BAR database.

1-WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS —

would take harmful chemicals, like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, and turn them into a steam mixture of water, nitrogen, and CO2.

2-WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS —

for 2-way converters, the exhaust gasses are designed to flow through the substrate. Two-way converters have metals like platinum and palladium so that a chemical reaction can occur.

3-WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS —

three-way converters oxidize chemicals, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, into the water, nitrogen, NOx, and carbon dioxide.

WHY IS NOX BAD?

3-way catalytic converters are the best for the environment because they remove NOx. NOx is a nitric acid vapor that slowly destroys the atmosphere. “… It can lead to catarrh of the bronchi, pneumonia, and etching of the alveoli” NOx is also highly reactive and can cause severe damage if it gets the chance to…

CATALYTIC CONVERTERS REPLACEMENT IN CHICO

A catalytic converter minimizes the harmful emissions from burning your vehicle’s gas. Catalytic converts use chambers called “catalysts.” The catalyst works to change the environmentally harmful gasses from your engine into less harmful ones, like steam.

WHAT DOES A CATALYTIC CONVERTER LOOK LIKE?

The catalytic looks like a metal box and can be found on the bottom of your car. On your catalytic converter, two tubes come out of the sides. One line is for where the engine emission goes into. The other tube is where the clean, less harmful steam comes out!

The pipe, the tube where the harmful gas goes, is connected to the engine. The output pipe is the tube linked to your tailpipe, where the less harmful gasses come out! The gas flow through the line: NOx, CO, and HC. Those gasses will change into the gasses H2O, CO2, and N2.

CALIFORNIA VS. FEDERAL CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

What is the difference between California and Federal catalytic converters? Well, California catalytic converters are built with better, more rigid metals. So they will last longer. But, California catalytic converters were only working on models 2000 and newer, while federal catalytic converters will work for any year.

Mike Schaublin from Quora says:

“California sets independent environmental regulations that may be more stringent than Federal standards. There are a group of states that follow whatever standards CA sets. Cars registered in CA must have the CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliant part, which will be stamped with a unique CA compliance number. Looking at aftermarket car parts, you will see that they are “not for sale in CA” in many cases. This is because these parts have not received the CARB certification. The maker may have applied, failed, or never bothered to get CA certification. Part of the annual inspection in CA included verifying that the OEM parts are on the car and have the CARB numbers.”

CAT CONVERTER NEAR ME IN CHICO, CA

Each time you take your vehicle in for smog, the smog station checks the serial numbers on your catalytic converter. They make sure you have the correct and legal cat on your car and also make sure you have a functioning oxygen sensor. The smog shop you chose will inspect your vehicle with a fine-tooth comb, ensuring your catalytic converter, smog equipment, 02 sensor, and drivability monitors are complete before the smog test! Ensure you do not have a check engine light before your smog test. Also, do not try resetting your engine code and running to the smog station. You will fail for incomplete self-checks.

Do you have a P-code? Is it p0420? Maybe it’s p0430? Either one of these codes could be for your catalytic converter or a faulty reading from a rear oxygen sensor. It is essential that a shop checks your oxygen sensors and verify they are working before replacing your converter! Sometimes you get lucky and only need an oxygen sensor. Sometimes you need both oxygen sensors and your cat converter replaced. A diagnosis can save you big bucks if you are willing to have one done.

DIESEL CONVERTER REPAIR NEAR ME

Do diesel cars have catalytic converters? Yes, they do! Every diesel vehicle will have a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst. Once the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst gets warm enough, it can change the harmful gases released from the engine into less harmful gasses!

Instead of two tubes connecting everything, the diesel Oxidation Catalyst is long and narrow, like one big tube. The tube will connect to two areas. One is the engine. From the engine, the gasses will flow into the Oxidation Catalyst and then change gasses.

After the gasses have changed into CO2, the H20 compound (just steam) will flow through to the other side of the Catalyst. The other side of the Catalyst is connected to the tailpipe. From there, it will release the steam into the air and then repeats all over again!

PLUGGED CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Are you checking the engine light on? Is your vehicle sluggish to move? Will it not stay running anymore? A clogged catalytic converter can cause all sorts of headaches. Personally, I have been down this path. My Dodge Neon a few years back would not go over 20 MPH. I had no codes and no clues. After performing a pressure test, (in which you remove the oxygen sensor and screw in a gauge, and check for back pressure PSI) I found My cat was partially melted. Sometimes something that was designed to save us from our own pollution can fail, or in this case, clog and keep your vehicle from running.
Your converter woes can put a dent in your pocketbook. Each Californian has to deal with this headache in order to breathe clean air and operate vehicles down the road legally. In the end, it’s the price of living in a busy, crowded state.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPAIR NEAR ME

Are you looking for a catalytic converter near me? You have found the right repair shop. Tedious Repairs in Chico installs cat converters on almost all vehicles. We are pretty good at hunting down aftermarket weld or bolt-on Chico catalytic converters. We try to avoid buying from the dealership when possible to save you as much money as we can on your auto repair bill. Give us a buzz today for a free quote!

Converter auto repair that locals and students have trusted for over 12 years. We have fixed countless problems with cars and trucks of all natures. From check engine lights to oxygen sensors we do it all. Over the years we have replaced tons of catalytic converters. We replace stolen converters too. We can also install anti-theft devices to protect your cat.

The crew in Chico at Tedious Repairs has welded on countless cats. We have replaced manifold converters, bolt-on, and ORM converters. Sometimes we can weld on cats for different makes and models of vehicles. Our mechanics are up to the challenge with over 15 years of experience replacing Chico catalytic converters. Chico catalytic converter & auto repair that you can count on. Tedious Repairs is ready to get your ride back on the road today! Catalytic Converter Near Me.

Buddy Rausch

Buddy started his auto career journey at Butte College and started his own auto repair company in 2007. Since then he has worked on countless cars, diagnosing, repairing, and replacing worn, faulty, and broken parts.

After a few years, he moved to a bigger shop to accommodate his growth and to better serve the Chico, CA community. It’s a family-owned & operated business.

Outside of work Buddy enjoys spending time with his family and playing softball is one of his many passions.

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