Undoubtedly, there are several differences between gasoline and diesel-powered engines. However, they also have a couple of similarities. The big question is – Do diesel engines have catalytic converters?
The catalytic converter plays a very vital role in a vehicle’s emission system. No wonder the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is strict about its use in automobiles. However, most vehicle enthusiasts associate the cat-con with gasoline-powered vehicles.
This article probes into the use of catalytic converters across the automotive industry, especially in diesel-powered engines, in order to unveil whether they are available in them or not.
The subsequent sections unravel all you need to know about the converter, including its problems and solutions.
What is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. They are designed to reduce airborne pollutants due to a call to reduce dangerous emissions from vehicles.
Catalytic converters were originally designed in the 1970s for gasoline engines, but catalytic converters started being installed in diesel engines in the 1990s.
Catalytic converters reduce the impact of over 90% of harmful emissions and toxins by converting them to carbon dioxide and water – including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons.
In short, catalytic converters ensure that vehicle engines are healthier for the environment and for humans.
How Do Diesel Catalytic Converters Work?
The diesel catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful substances into forms that are non-toxic. Inside the metal casing are two ceramic blocks that contain thousands of micro-cellular units, looking like a honeycomb.
All of the ceramic blocks have a metal coating, such as platinum or palladium. The catalytic converter is located closer to the engine, with the converter heating up to catalyze the chemical reactions.
These reactions convert toxic gases into harmless byproducts that can be released into the atmosphere. The Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) is very similar in function to the equivalent part in a gas engine.
Carbon monoxide is reduced to water and carbon with the help of metal catalysts. During this time, the volatile hydrocarbons and byproducts are broken down into less harmful substances, so the emissions of dangerous gases are reduced.
However, this cat doesn’t contain rhodium like it would if it were in a gas engine. It also includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that eliminates particulate matter that isn’t found in a converter equipped to a gas-powered engine.
The SCR is responsible for breaking down the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) into Nitrogen and Oxygen with the help of an ammonia-based catalyst.
This open-loop system can reduce NOx emissions by 75 to 90 percent. SCR is also needed to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, but is only about eight percent effective. Using low sulfur fuel helps improve performance.
Do Diesel Engines Have Catalytic Converters?
Yes. Many diesel cars have a catalytic converter, but not in the same way that a gas-powered car does. Some diesel engines contain a two-way catalytic converter with a diesel oxidization catalyst, but it could be a three-way design that adds an SCR reduction.
Diesel engine emissions go through four stages: there’s the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), as well as the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filtration), plus the DOC (Diesel Oxidization Catalyst) and the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction).
The catalysts produce chemical reactions to reduce harmful emissions in the DOC and SCR stages.
Problems of Diesel Engine Catalytic Converters
Like every other catalytic converter, diesel engine converters are not problem-free. They are susceptible to a couple of challenges that you would need to deliberately prevent from occurring or fix after their occurrence.
Some of the common problems of diesel engine catalytic converters are:
#1. Contamination.
A faulty cylinder head will create an opportunity for engine coolant to escape out of its place into other areas, including the catalytic converter. This can automatically affect the easy passage of exhaust gases in the converter.
#2. Carbon deposits blockage.
The catalytic converter is exposed to carbon build-up over time, which tends to block the system. When the converter becomes blocked, it will not be able to perform its function as expected.
#3. Restriction of exhaust gas free flow.
A vehicle’s engine requires a constant supply of air for efficient performance. If the free flow of gas from the exhaust system is hindered, it will automatically affect the supply of air, which further affects the engine ultimately. This is a common challenge with the cat converter.
#4. Overheating.
Faulty Glow plugs and a leaky exhaust valve are two culprits of inadequate burning of diesel fuel.
When this occurs, overheating is imminent because the unburned fuel may be channeled to the converter to burn properly. This will certainly disrupt the converter’s function.
#5. Physical damage.
The catalytic converter is mounted underneath a vehicle aligning with the engine and the muffler. Unfortunately, this exposes the component to mechanical operations that can result in its wear, tear, or damage over time.
The component is also vulnerable to weather conditions, as well as elements on the road that come in contact with the component and damage it within a short time. The vibration from driving on rough roads is yet another damaging factor.
How Do You Fix Diesel Engine Catalytic Converters Problems?
Fixing a diesel engine cat converter problem will be easy if you’re able to identify the actual cause of the problem.
That’s why it would be best to inspect or diagnose the component and carefully ascertain the exact issue. However, the following recommendations will be able to fix a bad diesel engine catalytic converter.
#1. Unclog the converter.
Firstly, if carbon build-up is responsible for the catalytic converter issue, ensure to unclog it using a degreaser and hot water solution. Once you have the solution ready, soak the converter in it for about one hour.
After that, get a pressure washer and set it down to low. Then, use the water to rinse the component carefully and allow it to drain out the water and dry up properly.
After that, reinstall the component. Also, note that you can use a diesel catalytic converter cleaner to get the job done as well.
#2. Replace faulty related parts.
If a faulty oxygen sensor, head gasket, etc., is responsible for the malfunctions that led to the problem with the catalytic converter, ensure to replace the exact component.
However, carefully diagnose the problem to identify the actual faulty component before a replacement.
#3. Replace the catalytic converter.
Finally, if every other attempt seems abortive and the catalytic converter is still incapacitated, go ahead and replace the component.
No doubt, replacing a cat converter can be quite expensive; however, it is better to resolve a problem at an early stage before it escalates.
Differences Between Catalytic Converters in Diesel and Gasoline
Diesel and gasoline engine catalytic converters differ in their catalyst composition and operating temperatures.
They also differ in their maintenance needs, legal requirements, and emission control. These variations highlight the specific exhaust gas composition and emission traits of diesel and gasoline fuels.
Catalyst Composition
The catalyst composition in diesel and gasoline catalytic converters differs to accommodate each fuel type’s specific exhaust gas composition.
Gasoline catalytic converters typically use a three-way catalyst (TWC) composed of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
Conversely, diesel catalytic converters frequently utilize catalysts with elevated levels of precious metals to efficiently decrease emissions.
Reaction Temperatures
Diesel engines operate at higher exhaust gas temperatures compared to gasoline engines. As a result, diesel converters can withstand and operate efficiently at these elevated temperatures.
The catalyst materials used in diesel converters are formulated to maintain optimal conversion rates at higher temperatures. This ensures an effective reduction in emissions.
Emission Control Technologies
Diesel engines produce greater quantities of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) than gasoline engines. Diesel catalytic converters have other emission control technologies to address these specific pollutants.
Diesel particulate filters (DPF) are incorporated to trap and remove soot particles from the exhaust.
At the same time, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems use a urea-based diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to convert NOx into nitrogen and water through chemical reactions.
Catalyst Monitoring and Maintenance
Due to the variations in exhaust gas composition and operating conditions, catalytic converters in diesel engines may need more frequent checks and maintenance.
Diesel engines produce larger amounts of ash and soot, which can build up on the catalyst surface and reduce its efficiency as time passes.
Regular inspection and cleaning of the DPF and monitoring of the SCR system are necessary to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the catalytic converter in a diesel engine.
Regulatory Requirements
Various regions and countries have their own emission regulations for diesel and gasoline engines. These regulations typically specify the acceptable levels of emission levels that catalytic converters must meet.
Diesel converters must meet more stringent requirements due to the higher emissions diesel engines produce. Meeting these regulations requires using effective emission control methods in diesel converters.
Benefits of Using Catalytic Converters in Diesel Engines
Incorporating catalytic converters into diesel engine designs offers several advantages:
- Reduces harmful emissions like: Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons.
- Environmental protection: To cleaner air and reduces the impact of vehicle emissions.
- Improved air quality: By minimizing the release of pollutants to human health and ecosystems.
- Extended engine life: Preventing the buildup of certain harmful substances.
- Enhanced fuel efficiency: Optimizing combustion processes.
- Noise deduction: Catalytic converters can help reduce the noise and offer more pleasant driving experience.
- Smoother operation: To smoother engine operation and overall vehicle performance.
- Long-term cost savings: Compliance with emission standards.
Overall, the main benefit of a diesel vehicle catalytic converter is that it aids in the reduction of emissions. It ultimately safeguards both public health and the environment.
How long do diesel catalytic converters last?
A diesel catalytic converter, on average, lasts 10 years or 100 000 miles. However, this will also be influenced by the duration and number of stops the vehicle makes.
The catalytic converter will wear out faster in a car that makes brief start-stop journeys than one that travels long distances continuously.
Because the engine is turned off before the catalytic converter reaches its optimal temperature range, it does not fully catalyze reactions.
Despite their longevity, catalytic converters must be inspected on a regular basis for external and internal damage. It’s expensive to replace one that has been damaged.
FAQs.
Q: Do diesel catalytic converters get stolen?
Of course! Diesel catalytic converters also get stolen, just like those in gasoline-powered vehicles. The reasons for the ordeal in both cases are pretty much similar – the cat converters in gasoline and diesel engines can be turned into a few bucks.
So, it is obvious that converter vandals have no business trying to separate between cars with petrol engines and those with diesel engines.
They are all prospective victims if you’re asking – Do thieves steal diesel engine cat converters? So, you must guard your car jealously.
Q: Are diesel engine catalytic converters worth anything?
The diesel catalytic converter scrap value is worth some cool cash in the scrap metal market. However, they are not as expensive as gas engine catalytic converters.
This is because diesel fuel comes cleaner than regular gasoline; hence, the converter only requires minimal catalysts.
In other words, the precious metals in the gasoline engine catalytic converters are more than their diesel engine cat converters counterparts. In any case, the diesel cat converters still rake in some money when sold as scrap.
Q: How much is a diesel catalytic converter worth?
A scrap diesel catalytic converter is worth as low as $18 and as much as $625. However, the worth of the converter depends on the vehicle’s make and model. While some diesel engine cat converters may fall within this price range, others may be slightly more.
Whatever the case may be, an old converter still has some economic value. You could sell it to a scrap metal dealer or junkyard near you to get a few dollars into your pocket.
Q: What year did diesel start using catalytic converters?
When did they start putting catalytic converters on diesel? Diesel engines started using catalytic converters around the 1990s.
Before then, the components were common with gas engines because of the extent of pollutants emitted via the exhaust pipes of gasoline-powered vehicles.
Typically, the deterioration of the air quality in several cities around the 1940s – 50s necessitated the introduction of catalytic converters in the mid-1970s. This became the solution to the air pollution problem.
Q: What cars don’t have catalytic converters?
All-electric cars are the only cars without catalytic converters. Instead, they are built with rechargeable batteries, which help to power the EVs without any emission effects.
Other vehicles like hybrid cars, regular gasoline cars, and diesel-powered vehicles are fitted with cat converters.
The reason is pretty simple – the emissions from these vehicles have negative impacts on the air quality in the atmosphere. Therefore, the converters help detoxify the pollutants before the exhaust pipes release the emissions.
Q: Do thieves target diesel catalytic converters?
Of course, diesel catalytic converters are also targeted by cat converter thieves; if you’re asking, “Do thieves steal diesel catalytic converters?”
This is because they contain some precious metals in their makeup. So whether you drive a gasoline or diesel-powered car, you are sure to protect your converter from folks who won’t miss a chance to pull it off.
Catalytic converter theft has not ceased from rising by the day. According to a report from the NICB – National Insurance Crime Bureau, vehicle owners made claims for about 3,389 converter thefts in 2019 and another whopping 14,433 cat converter thefts in 2020.
Q: Where is the catalytic converter on a diesel truck?
A diesel truck’s catalytic converter is between the muffler and the engine underneath the vehicle. The component is fitted as a subset of the exhaust system. Most vehicles have their cat converters positioned around the same area.
However, while some cars are manufactured with one catalytic converter, others have two or more, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. Unfortunately, the more the number of converters, the more you need to guard against theft.
Q: How much is a Cummins catalytic converter worth?
A Dodge Cummins 6.7 catalytic converter is worth between $60 and $600. If you drive any of the following vehicles; Ram 2500, RAM 3500, 4500, 3500 heavy-duty truck, and 5500 Chassis Cab, ensure to protect their converters from thieves.
Meanwhile, you can sell the old cat converter for some cash inflow when you get a replacement. However, ensure to verify the scrap catalytic converter price online before contacting a junkyard or scrap metal dealer around your neighborhood.
Q: Does Ford Diesel have a catalytic converter?
Yes! Ford diesel-powered vehicles are built with catalytic converters. The component is present in diesel engines that are manufactured around the 1990s till date.
Typically, the converters are essential for neutralizing the toxic pollutants in the vehicles’ exhaust systems.
If you drive a Ford F-150 with a Power Stroke diesel engine, the cat converter is the component responsible for managing the emissions system properly, preventing the release of toxins. Without the component, driving the F-150 would have been illegal in the United States.
Q: Do heavy-duty trucks have catalytic converters?
Of course, heavy-duty trucks are built with catalytic converters. The component is necessary to help curb the challenges of hazardous emissions. The cat converter is relevant in virtually all vehicles except electric cars.
Converter vandals also target the cat converters in heavy-duty trucks because they are built with some precious metals like most cars. However, some trucks have a relatively cheaper cat-con, which does not call the attention of converter theft specialists.
Final Words
This article has told the truth about the availability of catalytic converters in diesel engines. In addition, some of the common problems of the component have been addressed, as well as the recommended solutions.
So, anyone contemplating, “Do diesel engines have catalytic converters?” kindly recommend this post to them. Meanwhile, if you’re currently experiencing any of the challenges unveiled above, ensure to implement the solutions provided in this article.
Lastly, always be conscious about your vehicle whenever you’re away from home, especially at night. Cat converter thieves are virtually everywhere. You don’t want to be their victim.