Engine Performance
Work Example 8

WorkKey Level: 3
NATEF Automotive Tasks: VIII.E.3.1, VIII.E.3.4

You are testing a catalytic converter using the temperature variation method. The converter temperature variation specification should read at least 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The inlet of the catalytic converter reads 700 degrees.  The outlet reads 1200 degrees.  Is the catalytic converter working properly?  Please explain.

Solution:

You need to see a change of at least 600⁰F to determine if a catalytic converter is working properly.
outlet - inlet = 1200 – 700 = 500
Since 500 <600, the catalytic converter is bad.