Why do some drivers delete the catalyst converter from their cars?

Many drivers apply to the car service station, in order to remove the catalyst converter from their car, but why do they doing it, what implications does this have for the car and whether it is worth to remove the catalytic converter from your car?

As it can be understood from the name, the catalytic converter holds dangerous gases back and prevent their release in the air. So, the main purpose of the catalyst is to "neutralize" harmful combustion gases of gasoline making them less dangerous or completely disarm. This happens due to the heating process and chemical reactions. (as there are deposition of the elements of the platinum group metals in the combs of the catalyst). Actually, this is occasioned by the high cost of the catalyst, and when it breaks down, many owners get off the catalyst, (this applies to the Euro 2 catalyst model). The Euro 2 catalyst model was released in 1996, and was a standard for the years.

What motivates drivers to remove the catalyst? The reason is the contraction of the catalyst. The gases are going through the oxygen sensor, or the first feeler, and then they are going to the catalyst. The sensor analyzed the gas level and measured the pressure in the catalyst tubes. Previously, (talking about the 90's and early 00's), the quality and characteristics of gasoline were worse, the sulfur content and other environmentally harmful substances were higher, and therefore, the number of hazardous combustion products was high. The catalyst was quickly clogged, the throughput fell, and the sensor recorded a high (outside the norm) gas level pressure, and gave an error (after 80-100 thousand km). As a result, the car started worse and was slightly pulled. Hence, frequent replacement and cost became the root cause, removal of the catalyst by drivers.

The next models of catalyst, for instance, models Euro 3, -4, -5 were going through modification, and for today they include two oxygen sensors and two blocks of cleaning cells. The design assumed that it was impossible to completely remove the catalyst and the combs, and therefore, the direct output of harmful gases, it is possible to neutralize to H2O, Co2 N2.

So, as it was mentioned, there are two oxygen sensors before and after the catalyst on the new models. In case of error and contamination of cells (150-200km), oxygen sensors show the same errors, as it reads the same information. It is useless to remove the cells, as the second sensor will continue to give an error. The solution for modern cars is the reconstruction of the firmware in the ECU.

Errors are thrown off, this is the first option, and the second option, does not change anything in the firmware, just delete information about one sensor, and the firmware would be configured for the second (upper feeler), that is, the catalyst works according to the Euro 2 standard (96th year). But, finding a good specialist is difficult. Changes in the firmware can affect the operation of the car as a whole.

Another method is to set the "dummy sensor" on the lower feeler. The dummy sensor reduces the flow of harmful gases, and therefore the sensors do not record the number of harmful gases, and the second sensor sees already clean gases that are naturally within the normal range.

Coming back to the beginning, is it worth removing the catalysts, remove the cell and put a dummy sensor? Only you can decide what to do, the important results of this process won’t give. Finally, the engine power will increase slightly, as well as slightly would be the fuel consumption reduced (about 2% for both). Disadvantages of removing the catalyst will be as follows: deterioration of the environmental component, an increase in harmful emissions. Therefore, the toxic smell will often penetrate into the car cabin, that is, you risk harming yourself. You can’t do without costs, you need to put the dummy sensor or risk and to changes in the firmware settings. What is more, the exhaust sound becomes louder, and again, you need to put an additional flame arrester.

The catalyst doesn't affect engine life. Thus, the removing of the catalyst has a positive effect on the mechanical operation of the engine, but it is extremely negative on the environmental aspect.

In the conclusion to remove the catalyst isn’t necessary. After 200 km, the car requires detailed inspection and replacement of parts, so be prepared for this in advance. Removing the catalyst will not be able to deprive you of costs or give your car superpower, and the disadvantages will be thoroughly noticeable. Or much better to check your car periodically, and to solve faults with the help of inCarDoc.