UrS4boy

through. So yes, indeed, the Cats have a LOT to do with HCs. Not the cause of them but what is done with them. I think my high(ish) CO reading (see below) and very low HC reading is a sign that the cats are healthy and doing what they are supposed to do, i.e convert long(ish) chain volatile hydrocarbons into CO, etc.

UrS4boy

The one beside the battery.

Xel

the $100 - 3 wire bosch, not some 4 wire universal $40 one designed for mustangs

SCL

thanks, I guess I'll have to try cats. do you have a source? Re: Did you change the

SilberUrS6

Which is right next to the fuel filter...

SCL

It's 3 years old... I could try another one. thanks. Re: get a new oxygen sensor!!!

UrS4boy

Exactly.

450exc115

"Catalytic converters oxidize unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. They convert the HC to CO2 and water and the CO to CO2. NOx decomposition would require a reducing atmosphere (no oxygen present) for a catalyst to work. Sooooo, NOx is reduced by lowering the temperature in the combustion chamber. This is accomplished by either lowering the compression ratio (mechanical), retarding the spark (peak pressure occurs after TDC), or by recirculation of exhaust gases (lowers amount of fuel/air in combustion chamber)."

This came straight from my Dad, he has a PHD in Chemical Engineering from UCLA. Funny thing is his PHD thesis was on Catalytic converters for the Auto industry, and it was back in the 60s!

Sorry about the bad info, sounds like you have a bad cat!

Tom

SCL

I was reading about CATs last night and I see that they combine the HC with O2 to turn the HCs into water vapor and CO2. Where is the O2 coming from?

2CxHy + (2x+y/2)O2 ? 2xCO2 + yH2O

SCL

I have the Bosch 3 wire universal -- the one that you have to cut the wires and splice it in. I had trouble with emmissions and gas mileage before...the new O2 sensor made no difference. It's relatively easy to swap so I can do it again.

Do you recommend a particular one?