Honda Catalytic Converter

Honda catalytic converters are just one of the solutions to minimize the negative effect of motorcycle and car exhausts. Studies and researches in the United States and other neighboring countries show the important role of catalytic converters in reducing harmful carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless and odorless poisonous gas produced from incomplete combustion of fuel in the car's exhaust systems. Motorcycles and cars are the topmost producers of Carbon Monoxide or CO in the atmosphere.

Combustion process does not constantly reach its maximum peak leading to the production of harmful emissions. Other gases that pose a threat in our environment are hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, Hydrocarbons or Volatile Organic Compounds are the end product of unburned fuel that turns to gas. As it evaporates, a chemical reaction happens as it combines with sunlight which causes ground level ozone or pollution. Carbon dioxide is a product of combustion that bonds with the oxygen in the air leading to polluted atmosphere. Nitrogen oxides on the other hand are a major component of smog and acid rain which can cause mucous membrane irritations and other health problems.

To have greater protection of the environment against the harmful effects of car emissions, modern cars including Honda makes are equipped with three-way catalytic converters. The "three way" pertains to the reduction of the topmost three pollutants; carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. The converter is equipped with two types of catalysts, an oxidization catalyst and a reduction catalyst. Both are made from metal with a ceramic structure covered with either palladium, platinum or rhodium. Common types of structures used are ceramic bead, although it is not commonly used nowadays, metal plate and ceramic honeycomb. The maximum area of the converter is positioned on the exhaust system to minimize the amount of catalyst needed. The rhodium and platinum components of the converters are used to minimize nitrogen oxides by pulling out the nitrogen atom from the molecule and bonding it with other nitrogen atoms to form harmless N2.

With the focus in the past few decades on reducing the environmental effects of driving combustion engine vehicles, the Honda catalytic converter has become an increasingly important part of your exhaust system. In the years since they've come into use, the Honda catalytic converter has become increasingly efficient with improvements in technology, and serves to help reduce the expulsion of pollutants into the environment by burning some down a bit further and by trapping others. If your Honda catalytic converter is moving towards failure, you'll probably notice a decrease of engine power, as well as decreased fuel mileage, if the failure is due to it being clogged, as being a part of the exhaust system, that interference in the smooth flow of exhaust out from the vehicle will negatively impact performance. It is also possible that mechanical failures in the combustion system can cause the failure of the Honda catalytic converter by overwhelming it with improperly balanced fumes. Today, a working Honda catalytic converter is a legal requirement for your vehicle, and if yours is starting to struggle to perform its tasks, you may want to consider getting the replacement you're going to need on the way. You'll find that we feature numerous Honda catalytic converter replacements in our online catalog, spanning a broad range of years and models, all available at prices that are definitely reasonable, sure to be affordable when compared to what your local dealerships and automotive parts retailers are asking for theirs. You can order your Honda catalytic converter replacement online without worry, our encryption will keep your data secure, and if you prefer to place your order by telephone, you are welcome to make use of our toll-free number.

• Your Honda catalytic converter can last for more than 10 years. But due to varying reasons, it can get clogged, contaminated, or suffer from physical damage.
• The catcon’s function is crucial since it converts pollutants like hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide into harmless gases.
• A universal-fit catalytic converter fits a wider range of applications, but it will require modifications before it can be installed. On the other hand, a direct-fit catalytic converter can directly replace your stock part since it’s specifically made for your vehicle.
• Your catalytic converter can either be California-legal or 49-state legal. You can confirm which type of catcon you have in your vehicle by checking your emissions equipment sticker.
• An aftermarket Honda catcon costs anywhere between $40 and $870.

Ideally, your Honda catalytic converter can last for more than 10 years without requiring any repair or replacement. However, the reality is that it can be clogged, contaminated, or damaged, which can prevent it from performing its crucial function of converting pollutants into harmless gases. When this happens, a Honda owner like you should acquire a replacement part that works exactly as your old one.

There are several things that you need to consider before purchasing a replacement catalytic converter for your Honda. Here are some factors that you should take into account:

Universal fit versus direct fit

A universal-fit Honda catalytic converter is designed for a wide range of applications. It is also usually easier on the pocket when compared to its direct-fit counterpart. However, since most universal-fit catalytic converters have a straight-through design, you might have to do some kind of pipe articulation before the part can fit into your vehicle. You may also need to do some cutting or welding during the installation process.

A direct-fit catalytic converter, on the other hand, is specifically designed for your vehicle’s year, make, and model. You won’t have to do any modifications to successfully install it. And you won’t need any special tools or equipment to be able to mount it to your vehicle.

California-legal versus 49-state legal

California has stricter emissions regulations compared to other states. If your Honda is registered and operated in California, its catalytic converter is likely designed to pass the state’s emissions regulations. To avoid any problems, you have to make sure that the replacement catcon for your vehicle is California-legal.

Now, if your car is registered outside of California, it likely has a 49-state catalytic converter. Therefore, any aftermarket catalytic converter that is 49-state or 50-state legal is the right replacement for your old catcon. You can easily determine whether your vehicle needs a California-legal or 49-state legal catalytic converter by inspecting the emissions equipment sticker attached to the underside of the hood or near the firewall area behind the engine.

Two-way or three-way

Most diesel engines use two-way catalytic converters to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. Light-duty vehicles in North America, on the other hand, have three-way catalytic converters that can control the emissions of nitrogen oxides aside from hydrocarbons and monoxide.

The cost of an aftermarket Honda catcon falls anywhere between $40 and $870. You can purchase a catalytic converter per piece, in sets of two, or part of a kit or assembly. Most aftermarket brands offer warranty for their products so make sure to get a catcon that has one for added protection.

Don’t forget to use our website’s vehicle selector when shopping for Honda parts online. This will make your search faster and easier. For instance, if you are looking for a 2002 Honda Accord catalytic converter, using our vehicle selector can ensure that your search results will be limited to catcons that are applicable to your ride.

Looking like a muffler, your Honda catalytic converter is an important component of your exhaust system, as this component functions with the engine to flush out harmful gases. It helps transform carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases into harmless emissions. When the catalytic converter malfunctions, it is very damaging to your vehicle as well as to the air. When you have problems with the converter, immediately have it replaced. To know if you are having catalytic converter issues, below are some common signs you might be experiencing.

Awful smell

Usually a defective catalytic converter creates an awful scent that smells like a mixture of sulphur and rotten egg. Make sure to wait for your engine to cool down first before checking your vehicle.

Rattling sounds

Located in the middle of the engine and exhaust muffler under the vehicle, the Honda catalytic converter is regularly exposed to road rubbles and environment elements, making it have issues more often than the other components. When you hear rattling sounds from under your vehicle, chances are, parts of your catalytic converter have broken apart inside its casing and is now creating these noises.

Illuminated engine light

There are various reasons causing your engine light to light up. However, when your vehicle does not go any faster when you stepped on the gas, your Honda catalytic converter is likely the component that is malfunctioning. Make sure to have it changed and replaced as soon as possible by a skilled mechanic to keep your vehicle running.

Dark exhaust smoke

Another noticeable sign of a faulty catalytic converter is when your car releases dark or black exhaust emissions from the muffler or exhaust system. These dark emissions can also be due to a large amount of carbon accumulation in the vehicle's engine. However, if you regularly do your vehicle tune-up and use good quality of fuel additive or superior unleaded fuel, the cause is most likely a defective converter component.

Overheated and melted components

When your fuel mixture is too rich, the catalyst may overheat. In addition, when an engine system malfunctions or misfires, this issue can also make the catalyst to overheat. Both of these circumstances will result to causing the components of the catalytic converter to melt.

Poor engine performance

When your vehicle jerks, stalls, or gives a sensation that there is no fuel reaching the engine when you step on the gas, your Honda catalytic converter might be causing these issues. Usually caused by backpressure, which makes the engine runs poorly, the converter's performance starts to slow down, leading the exhaust to begin getting jammed in front of the catalyst and eventually stops breathing, causing the jerks and similar fusses. A defective catalytic converter can also cause your vehicle to function less productively and give less power. This is usually noticed when you are incapable of driving at your normal speed even when stepping on the gas. In addition, your Honda also jumps and jolts when accelerating. A reduced fuel economy is also a sign of a faulty catalytic converter.