Outback L.L.Bean Edition AWD F6-3.0L (2002)
Catalytic Converter: Description and Operation
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The basic material of three-way catalyst is platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh) and palladium (Pd), and a thin coat of their mixture is applied onto
honeycomb or porous ceramics of an oval shape (carrier). To avoid damaging the catalyst, only unleaded gasoline should be used.
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The catalyst reduces HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gases through chemical reactions (oxidation and reduction). These harmful components are
reduced most efficiently when their concentrations are in a certain balance. These concentrations vary with the air-fuel ratio. The ideal air-fuel
ratio for reduction of these components is the stoichiometric ratio.
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Therefore, the air-fuel ratio needs to be controlled to around the stoichiometric ratio to purify the exhaust gases most efficiently.
