Catalytic Converters - V8i Exhaust System Overview
MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST SYSTEM
1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS - V8i
Description
Catalytic converters which form part of the engine
emission control system, are designed to ’clean’ the
exhaust gases, by closely controlling the fuel air ratio
delivered to the engine and converting the residual
exhaust compounds into products more acceptable to
the environment.
The front section of the exhaust system to each
cylinder bank contain the ceramic elements of the
catalytic converters. The oxygen sensors which
transmit information to the fuel ECU for control of the
mixture, are located in the exhaust down pipes.
The Hydrocarbons (HC), Nitogen oxides (NO
x
) and
Carbon monoxide (CO) emitted by the engine react
with the catalytic element and exhaust temperature to
convert the toxic gas, into Nitrogen (N), Carbon
dioxide (CO
2
) and water vapour.
Should the engine be supplied with a rich mixture
causing high CO in the exhaust gas, the ceramic
element will become coated and the useful life of the
catalyst reduced. If the mixture is too weak, excess
oxygen in the exhaust gas will cause the catalysts to
burn out.
1. Catalysts
2. Lambda oxygen sensors