NOTE:The exhaust systems shown in this section are production systems.
NOTE:Support wraps that are removed from a flexible pipe should be retained for future use.
The exhaust systems are of two or four piece construction for production and three, four or six piece construction for service.
Catalytic Converter Assemblies
The catalytic converter fitted to the Mondeo range resembles a small muffler assembly. Because of the high temperatures at which the catalytic converter operates, the vehicle body areas around the catalytic converter are protected by heatshields. The catalytic converter controls three emissions; Hydro carbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NO x).
Catalyst deactivation due to poisoning
Sulphur (S) in fuel can cause deactivation of the catalyst.
Lead (Pb) in fuel can cause a severe deactivation at levels above 5 mg per liter of fuel. It is therefore essential that vehicles with catalytic converters always operate on unleaded fuel.
Zinc (Zn) and phosphorous (P) present in some oils, can cause deactivation when oil consumption levels are high.
The effect of sulphur is felt most if it is released from the catalytic converter as hydrogen sulphide (H 2S). This has an unpleasant odour similar to rotten eggs. Changing the fuel source or manufacturer may also help in reducing this phenomena.
Catalyst melts are normally accompanied by loss of power due to excessive exhaust back-pressure.
Misfires at high engine speed may result in an almost instantaneous melt.
