The emissions system converts dangerous combustion gases like hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide into less harmful ones like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. This conversion is essential to reduce airborne pollution. This system is designed to operate at high temperatures and under intense pressure, but it still needs regular maintenance. As your Ford dealership, we want you to know some signs you need to visit us for Ford emission system maintenance.
Rattling Noises
The catalytic converter is the center of the emissions system, and its interior has a honeycomb-like structure. The honeycomb design provides a large surface area to convert engine gases. While the converter operates at high temperatures, it can still overheat due to age or damage. If this happens, the intense heat will crack sections of the honeycomb.
If the honeycomb cracks, continued high temperatures will extend the cracks, and pieces will break off. This damage to the converter will increase vehicle emissions and produce rattling noises as the broken honeycomb sections move around as you drive. We’ll investigate the converter to confirm the problem. The honeycomb can’t be repaired, but we’ll install a new converter to fix this problem.
Black Exhaust Smoke
Black exhaust smoke can be a sign that your converter is damaged. Normal exhaust smoke is wispy and almost invisible, and shows the converter is working efficiently. If the exhaust smoke turns black, unburnt fuel is being dumped into the exhaust from the engine cylinders. Hot, unburnt fuel can’t be completely broken down by the catalytic converter, so it passes out the tailpipe in a black cloud.
The unburnt fuel raises the temperature inside the converter, which can cause the catalytic converter to overheat and suffer serious damage. Our technicians will check the converter and repair or replace it. We’ll also investigate the reason fuel isn’t burning correctly and fix that issue.
Blue-Tinged Converter
The converter, as we’ve seen, is part of the exhaust system. It’s a large, roundish component with sections of the exhaust connected to both ends. It’s designed to operate at temperatures from 800°F to 1,200°F. Despite its sturdy design and heat resistance, it can be damaged by extreme temperatures.
If the converter gets too hot, meaning its internal temperature rises above 2,000°F, the outside of the converter changes color. If you look under your Ford and the converter has a blue tinge, it’s overheating and not converting exhaust gases correctly. Exhaust emissions will increase, and you’ll smell gas from the tailpipe. We’ll replace the overheated converter, and vehicle emissions will return to safe levels.
If you have an emissions problem, contact our service department right away at Coughlin Ford of Pataskala in Pataskala, OH.
Connect with us
