A sudden ingress of water or coolant into the exhaust gas neutralizer requires immediate action. The first signs of the problem are unstable engine operation, especially after a long period of inactivity or in damp weather. Characteristic white smoke and the smell of sweetish steam indicate the seriousness of the situation. When such symptoms are detected, owners often look for replacement equipment, not knowing that on the AvtoKatalist platform you can find out recycled catalytic converter prices and profitably sell even a damaged device.
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Diagnostics and restoration procedure
Before deciding to replace the cleaning equipment, it is necessary to conduct a full diagnosis. Experienced mechanics recommend the following procedure:
- Checking the compression in the cylinders will help identify problems with the cylinder head gasket. A drop in pressure in one or more cylinders often indicates a broken cylinder head gasket, through which antifreeze gets into the combustion chamber.
- Testing the cooling system under pressure will help detect leaks. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the pipes and connections near the cylinder head.
- A visual inspection of the cleaning equipment may reveal external damage or traces of corrosion. If cracks or deformations are detected, restoration is usually impossible.
- Computer diagnostics will show the efficiency of the oxygen sensors and the general condition of the cleaning system. Deviation of the indicators from the norm indicates serious damage to the internal coating.
After conducting a full range of checks, the scale of the problem and the need to replace the equipment become clear. It is important to remember that even a small amount of liquid can cause irreparable damage to the precious coating inside the device.
Restoration methods
If a small amount of water gets in once, there is a chance to save the equipment. It is necessary to warm up the engine to operating temperature and drive for 30-40 minutes at medium speed. Sharp acceleration during this period should be avoided – they can lead to mechanical damage to the softened ceramic filler.
When repair is useless
Getting antifreeze almost always means the need to replace the cleaning equipment. Chemically active components of the coolant destroy the precious coating, making the device inoperative. High exhaust gas temperatures turn the liquid into steam, creating excess pressure inside the housing.
Regular checks of the coolant level will help to detect the problem in time. Do not ignore the appearance of white smoke or unusual odors – these signs often indicate the beginning of a malfunction. When overcoming deep puddles, maintain a constant speed, avoiding sudden maneuvers.
Modern cleaning systems contain a significant amount of precious metals, so even damaged equipment is valuable for recyclers. Before buying a new device, find out the current prices for recycling the old one – this will help partially offset the cost of repairs.
