Here's what's in a catalytic Converter. Here's how they work.

You can get a non contact Thermometer from Amazon here to test to see if your cat is working. amzn.to/3AeOEiP
What's in a catalytic converter? How do they work? Here's what's in a catalytic Converter. Here's how they work.
Read about Tom Ogle here
fuel-efficient-vehicles.org/en...
or here:
www.rexresearch.com/ogle/1ogle...
or here:
www.deathofagasguzzler.com/pro...
or here:
askville.amazon.com/GOOGLE-TOM...
Here's some info about Catalytic Converters
www.bearriverconverters.com/da...

[@eddiepadilla1078]

+1 for the cat joke and +1 for mentioning Tom Ogle and the petro dollar--and +100 for have backyard chickens! Great explanation of the whole process.

[@cpufreak101]

+Eddie Padilla hmm... if i ever have the time (IE in several years) i'll try to remake the ogle carb with a shop vac, though i'd have to try to get it to work with EFI though, if that fails there are a bunch of old trucks i could buy here

[@luexiong5774]

Eddie Padilla

[@hoagybob]

subtle things can alter sleep patterns in kids, L, for example, some little guys are more sensitive to cold so wearing socks might is one idea, another is using some source of white noise to block outside traffic, people, and creaking house sounds. I used a fan, for example. Pillows and sheets/bedding can be a source of subtle irritation, too. For example, micro fibre sheets, down pillows (with lots of feathers, typically), or inadequately rinsed bedding - leaving residual detergent or fabric softener- is often a source of breathing congestion, wheezy runny nose discomfort which keeps the kids (and you) from getting good deep sleep. And make sure your window sills are free of molds and dust. Many folks dont realize that molds respire too and its their exhaled breath that our own bronchii react to.

[@LYLEWOLD]

so, we start off with bad cat meows and i'm ready to click "next", but i wait for a minute, and am treated to a very informative (and very eclectic) video. i really liked it. thanks for reminding me to not be such an a-hole. :-)

[@briansmobile1]

+Lyle W Lyle, you're alright man. Great to hear from you!

[@QBIX23]

+briansmobile1 @5:15 it got a bong and it's 'high' time, lol!!

[@mikec1096]

+Lyle W If you have ever seen a briansmobile video before you would know what to expect. His videos are great.

[@zzzires5045]

and yet im sitting here wondering what they look like when you spit flames through them. also what is a highflow?

[@BachikoiBabi]

Agreed. That joke was so bad I almost clicked away, but very informative. Glad I stayed.

[@WizzRacing]

Best damn explanation on how catalitic converters work! I also remember the predator carburetor. It multi staged gasoline through values that would compress the gas through charcoal filters. The damn thing was almost 99% efficient in burning fuel. And was way cleaner at the exhaust then today. I still use a water injection system that can pass any inspection station probing.

[@recoveringnewyorker2243]

Hi Brian! It's Shep the Jewish me-chan-ic. Riddle me this "Batman". 3 years ago I replaced the engine in my 2000 S10 (2.2 liter) with a new GM crate unit,along with the injectors and pressure regulator (Sorensen),fuel pump (Carter) o2 sensors (AC Delco),and Cat (Walker). 1 1/2 years ago a p0420 code appeared. No vac or exhaust leaks. Fuel pressure is correct. No misfires and engine vacuum is rock steady at 18 inches. In short, the truck runs great. AutoZone replaced the cat at no charge. Last month the p0420 code reappeared.Same conditions. I ran a live data test. U/S o2 sensor readings bounced all over the place (as it should).D/S o2 readins did the same (as it shouldn't). I replaced the cat (again) and now the D/S reading are .73--.78 volts at highway speeds..43--.47 at idle. And ..50--.53 at around 35 to 40 mph. In other words , steady. All other readings are normal. My GM tech friends say I need a factory cat ($1000--$2000). My independent tech friends and my old auto tech instructor ( the 1 who taught me 30 years ago and is still teaching) say that's nuts and a Walker $179--$400)or any cat should be fine. Any ideas? Thanx and G-d bless. Shep.

[@Koshunae]

Its funny when people bash mechanics as non-educated wrench turners, and you start throwing chemistry terms at them that they don't understand explaining how a car works.

[@knifeyonline]

it's exactly the same with people who build computers now... anybody can plug one together.

[@ellaallen3889]

Joseph Stott

[@knifeyonline]

yes darling?

[@kyakukid1]

Joseph Stott CompTIA A+ can fix that. Lol.

[@elizabethstenholt1018]

Love this video!!! You speak clearly, know your stuff and are not afraid to share what you hypothesize... I also sense a genuinely good person in you... Keep em coming... Recently with 6 cars in the family, I began to act on my instincts mechanics by suggesting and trying things in connection with my mechanic's expertise. For ex. the computer showed Malfunction on cat and 2 sensors. Bought all the parts myself, but the carparts place kept sending me the US honda sensor, not the import which my Honda was... anyhow I got fed up with trying to get the right part so I cleaned the old one and Voila... it worked!

[@briansmobile1]

Great work Elizabeth! And thank you for the feedback!

[@maxwellmcauliff8443]

I had issues getting the wrong cats from autozone and oreillys for my friends mercury mountaineer too. I had to take them off measure the inlet and outlet and get a pipe reducer to weld in too to make the back one fit. One of her front cats was melted and the back one was clogged. Only one worked with the temperature check being 100 degrees hotter after the cat. How did you clean your cat? I have a dodge stratus I bought to fix up and my only cat on this thing is not passing the temp test. I could smell that it wasn't working. I'm just curious on how you cleaned it. I want to flush it out with acid just to see if it will work. I tried vinegar cuz I had it layin around. Nope. I tried carburetor cleaner also. Nope. Oh and by the way I think it is the most awesome thing in the world that you have mechanical instincts. I am honored to even hear of a female that will work on cars, wow!!! That made my heart throb, seriously. Sorry if i sounded sexist or like a creep, lol.

[@BlondynCh]

Elizabeth Stenholt did you know you might as well get those codes when your car runs on too rich fuel mixture ? sunburn fuel causes catalytic to heat up and oxygen to read wrong readings :) your "expensive" problem could be caused by anything like spark plugs usually $5-10 each or better yet a broken intake vacuums line thats not even $5 =) find a good technician and stick to him because thats what a life is. on top of that you could demand that mechanic used a scope to verify if his finding is correct or not

[@eaglevences681]

Elizabeth Stenholt

[@David.lovesU]

Elizabeth Stenholt you should ask him out on a date since you're so mesmerized.

[@hoihoipoipoi]

you are so incredibly intelligent. this is so useful, I've learned a ton in 10 minutes

[@Tipperary757]

Such great info. Really appreciate you taking the trouble to make it understandable for the rest of us. Great job.

[@tonycrouch1364]

tipperary links u.

[@Sunnyvale877]

Hi! Thank's for straight dirt on the catalytic, training session. Great down to earth video...!

[@Bangouaman]

I watch this and it remind me of all the great teachers I have had in my live. You are just a natural showman and the video is superb! I have been trolling FB for a while and this is the first time I feel that I have complete grasp on this subject matter: so THANK YOU!

[@elstimate]

great explanation about catalytic converter and corresponding mechanisms!

[@felplayvina]

Hi Brian, just a question what can cause the muffle like little explosion? it that bad cat? a friend told me it need change spark plug.

[@joemikos9155]

Great job Brian! Your amongst the best on the Tube. My wife and I have 4 kids of or own and have had 70 foster kids over 7 years. I was so spoiled bc she dealt with all the difficult things like diapers, nightmares (same thing to me). Anyway I see a lot of advise here about limiting "electronic time". No easy task but it really helps. Keep the vids coming, please know they are appreciated. Really wished I was with you and your bro diving!!!! That was beautiful on many levels. Take care

[@Flashahol]

I first read your user name as BRAINSmobile and it would be well deserved. You sir have got me to understand that I most likely have a vacuum problem on my car and probably nothing else. Thank you for this incredibly informative video. Really, thank you so much!

[@jsharkey5738]

That was the most informative/educated video on cats I've seen and I've seen a lot .. thank you!

[@garrettthompson3696]

hey brian, just wanted to say that as a chemist, your explanations are spot on. one thing to mention about the "super carburetor", the vaporization of a liquid under a vacuum makes the liquid extremely cold very quickly which is probably a bad thing for your gas. cool video

[@gypsygrlisu29]

I absolutely love the way you explain things.

[@harleypiper]

used to make catalytic converters and shells for them at TABC in long beach,ca.

[@TheRevClyde]

briansmobile1, great vid as per your usual. id like to add if i may, some personal observations from 30 years of repairing cars. the threaded bung on the side of the converter has been around a very long time. it started out as a way to inject fresh air into the converter to burn off unburned hydrocarbons via an air pump on the front of the engine [remember fords smog pumps that always failed?]. even though i have never seen an O2 sensor in that spot, it doesnt mean that its never been done. keep up the good work

[@joel4214]

you drew me in with the meows but i stayed for the vast amount of knowledge

[@slick777go]

1st video of yours I've ran across, thanks for sharing your info! Any advise on a 09 Malibu with a clogged cat struggling at least something temporary to help it breath better for my son's school ride?

[@jawbreaker1975]

Ty for that Tom Ogle name drop. Very needed information.

[@kylefox6664]

Awesome Video! ...reminds me of my old Vocational - Trade School days. Its nice when someone can actually SHOW you exactly what it is, whats in it, what it does, and so on. Thoroughly too! Thank YOU

[@briansmobile1]

Welcome Kyle!

[@mikeronet1]

Hello - just watched your vid on catalytlc convertors, and I have to say, it was one of the best, educational videos on the subject. Hats off to you sir, you made it all very easy to understand!

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks Mike!

[@porsche558]

Thanks Brian that was really cool and informative. I always love the way you take stuff apart to show the inner workings. Sorry to hear about your lack of sleep situation. I wish I had something helpful to say about that.

[@douglaswright1986]

This dude is cool in my book. Being a dad and putting out great videos ain't no ez task I love all of his informative tips and tricks great work bro.

[@jdjd2059]

Very educative vid. THANKS. btw, tip for the kids nightmares problem, minimize their internet time, or filter content. some games and vids out there can really mess up kids brain.

[@cateatsushi3008]

+Jeremy Hall He's telling the truth and I'm 17. If they are 6-9 it is common lol. Don't be ignorant please.

[@YangSword9x]

Jeremy Hall i got nightmares playing resident evil 4 as a teenagers....PTSD... Also, loss sensitivity to life, people, grew ignorant to personal issues, & non-responsive to activity requiring thinking process (avoidance of challenges). Think my IQ dropped...badly.

[@916BOONES916]

I can only imagine the nightmares you will have from real life.

[@Joel-yz3eg]

+YangSword9x lol it's not just resident evil man, I think the whole world would be better if it lost most technology especially the ones that require us to stare at a screen for long periods. loved the video lots of good practical information. try getting your kids energy out before bed, walks, playing games in the park, just because you burned energy all day at work doesn't mean they did the same.

[@dretrunkslumpdrizzah]

Hey Brian I have a question in reference to catalytic converters. Does it matter how far the down stream 02 sensor is from the cat? The reason I'm asking is I had my cat changed and the guy that did it moved the cat closer to the engine and it is further from the sensor now. I've been having issues with the cat monitor running prior to having converter changed. The vehicle is a 2000 GMC Safari. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[@briansmobile1]

Good tip. I'm happy to try it out. Thanks!

[@MuddyDrivewayProductions]

thank you for the complete run down. I had no idea what the insides looked like.

[@brynwhit]

Hey thanks for this vid! I know it's old but I'm just getting into this stuff. I pray that your kids have peace at night and that you get rest!

[@smeraldoderosa7556]

If not the best, one of the best informative videos on KZbin, in my opinion, thank you. And I feel your pain... Never been a good sleeper myself and have relied on cat naps most of my life. As for the kids, possibly, one of the things that could help is food: type? Quantity? How late they eat? Sugar.... My six year old grandson seems to be affected by red die in soft drinks. Hope you get some sleep soon.

[@alexanderuzoechina1384]

Nice vid. I have an 05 toyota tundra and the 02 sensor is in the middle of the catalytic converter. I want to get an after mart cat and ones I see have the 02 sensor behind the cat converter. Would this cause the car to read wrong if I installed a cat with the sensor behind instead of in the middle or the cat

[@Antilleotheclown]

Very very informative I've always wondered how a catalytic converter worked and what was inside. thank you for this video.

[@eddiedelgado3041]

either side can be the installed universal? or is there a flow cause i ordered one and it has no flow arrow..thanks

[@jacksondelahunt3919]

great video - you're a great educator! thanks and keep sharing!

[@spelunkerd]

I'm still contemplating your cool oxbow lake analogy, and now you've posted another winner. One of the interesting things I recently learned (from scannerdanner) is that the cat requires instantaneously changing ratios, to be sure there is enough CO to allow it to work properly. CO is actually used to make the cat do it's thing, so O2 sensor signals have to cause a lean/rich bounce.

[@modestmoose83]

You have great videos, I think you are my favorite subscription. You make learning about exciting stuff like catalytic converters and suspension clunks fun. If I ever do a JDM STi engine swap on my WRX, I'll bring it to you. (if you are up to challenges like that.) ps- I have chickens and a backyard without a gate, so they just hang out in my carport when I'm working. It's frustrating always having to watch your step.

[@peterphoenix6471]

mate i subscribed cos your manner is genuine as well as it being informative

[@aliAK13]

I appreciate the reply. I have new NGK Platinum 4 prong plugs and compression on the cylinders is normal. (180s across the board). Could a failing CCV system create too much blowby and allow too much oil into the intake manifold, hence increasing oil burning and thus higher HC?

[@senselessmonkee]

Thanks that answers many of my questions!

[@sspk0071]

any change in the temperature of the exhaust gas after is passes through the converter?

[@fordwindsor351]

Hello Brian, again awesome helpful video. On my 1998 Ford Expedition with the 4.6 W, it has what appears to be 4 cats located in the Y pipe section and one big cat after that. The 4 that are located in the Y pipe secion, are they really cats or something else that works with the main cat. Thanks for your time.

[@donhozy]

Thanks for always making your videos, more than just car repair!

[@elizabethgordon3818]

Hi Brain, Have a 2004 honda v6 coupe and code says catalytic Converter I am smelling a type of fume inside car now I dont know if I should drive it. Will take next week to get fixed.

[@mdesoto1689]

Hi Brian, I have a 1998 Mercedez Benz SL 500 - it has been making a clicking sound almost like a diesel engine. I've researched and found it happens a lot to benz engines and it is due to catalytic converter. Any thoughts or suggestions how to possibly fix this ? thanks, Matt

[@codyhubert6178]

Subscribed. Amazing knowledge on all of this, and I learned about more than just catalytic converters. Thank you.

[@3lifebros]

This video is the perfect example of why I enjoy watching your videos. You got auto, biography, sports, chemistry, economics and comedy all in one pot :-) Shucks how could I forget the cat and chickens?! Cool video!

[@TheThanandros]

Yeah -- Like it mate. You have good understanding , thank you !

[@samjohnson466]

Thanks Brian, I have always wondered how the cats worked, well done.

[@briansmobile1]

Welcome Sam!

[@JayDoubleEweAre]

Thanks for the information. My exhaust basically rusted out right in front of the cat, and ended up dragging on the highway. I was told I could just put on a straight pipe and get away with it. After watching your video, why would I skip out on replacing my cat? This video was really everything I needed to know.

[@undeserved1781]

good one; stumbled on glad I did good to hear someone that knows what they're talking about ( cats or chickens ) Thanks

[@jonathanbrand1270]

I didn't know I would actually learn something watching this video. I'm subscribing.

[@chrisnearingcom]

good start, impressed by your chemical knowledge. Thanks for the info.

[@briansmobile1]

welcome- happy to do it!

[@kee8ting]

Good vid!!!!! That shows the real thing in the steel box. learnt loads of thing from it thank you very much

[@drdawg3]

Best explanation yet! Thank you Brian you did a great job

[@briansmobile1]

drdawg3 Thanks dawg!

[@briansmobile1]

Yes. The only difference is the thickness of the core walls within the honey comb. You have to maintain gas density or the temps and effectiveness suffers. So what they do is make the ceramic thinner so the hole count is higher. GREAT QUESTION!!!!

[@nzvandipranthan]

do u have any idea to recognize the o2 sensor pre and post catalitic converter??

[@stevenvonbehren2124]

great video. very well explained and informative. answered a couple questions for me. Thank you.

[@311ytc]

Cool video. Very informative. I just replaced the cat on the front of my Honda engine. Didn't know why there were 2 converters or why one was mounted to the block, but now I do. Also liked the background on Tom Ogle. Thanks for the info.

[@blairguinea1337]

Great cat interpretation Brian, thanks for the informative vids......................your a wealth of auto info

[@shaewilliams1014]

this was very informative I really learned something today thanks.

[@briansmobile1]

Test where the compression loss it BEFORE pulling the engine out by making sure all the valves are closed on that hole. (#6 by taking off the valve cover and inspecting cam position) Brace the crank so it won't move. Then run shop air into that hole and see where it comes out. The possibilities are.... radiator cap, oil cap, exhaust pipe, intake manifold. From there you can tell if it's valves, piston rings, cracked cylinder, head gasket etc.

[@AntonioMartinez-gu2kq]

Thanks for the Lesson....

[@stuartbartlett6890]

Thanks for the vid. Is there any difference between cat converters for diesel and petrol engines? as I know the latter is a lot hotter process.

[@lifeisbetterwhenyourelax]

Thanks. Great presentation. Really accessible. I've been studying chemistry recently, yours is on point.

[@xcixgaming4279]

i just bought a 96 Oldsmobile Bravada and it needs a new CAT is there a way to replace just the CAT without having to buy the whole assembly and without needing a welder?

[@4x4PROX]

Hey Brian, My 96 Montero SR, failed emissions, found out that No.6 cylinder has zero compression, and 3.5 liter engines for these cars are rare, they say 3.0 Liter one is a direct fit? and there is lots of them around. Worst scenario for no compression is a bad piston rings or a bad valve? will be able to do it myself being a novice? I have somebody pull out the engine and have downloaded factory manuals. Any advise would be REALLY appreciated.

[@tuvoca825]

You are spot on about the carbon monoxide thing. The CO bonds directly and irreversibly to the seat on the bus (on your blood) where the oxygen is supposed to be. That means oxygen can't get on the bus and get distributed where it needs to be in the blood. When CO bonds, the blood gets bright red but that "seat" becomes useless. Blood only has so many binding sites and oxygen deprivation can have term effects, even at lower levels. If it is severe enough it effects the brain and causes irreversible damage and restructuring in the brain. Very dangerous because it has no smell and is invisible. It happens with high temperature fires that aren't getting enough oxygen.

[@johnurena8622]

Hey guys, seems that your very knowledgeable on catalytic's. Im experiencing sulfur fumes/smell under load. On my 2008 Lexus ISF. Dealer says that my catalytic is fine. And puts the symptom on the gas that is being used. Whats your professional opinion.???

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks for the follow up!

[@512kjt]

Haha! You got a thumbs up for the cat joke! Cool video too!

[@0217rjones]

5

[@512kjt]

+0217rjones 6

[@FUZYsquatch]

+512kjt 7

[@Restrictted]

512kjt i plus oned as well.......because of that.

[@TheRevClyde]

+John Smith , Pagan Sunburn suggested checking for vacuum leaks and i agree but also inspect all of your electrical connections as well. it may sound strange to you but more often than not a driveability issue can be traced straight to the most basic and often skipped step in diagnostics. as far as using spray solvents to check for vacuum leaks, theres another way. use a small propane bottle just barely opened and at the same places. if your idle increase youve found a leak. some vacuum tees are temperature switched and wont allow vacuum thru certain hoses on a cool engine, and spraying brake kleen or carb cleaner on a hot engine is as smart smoking around an open gas tank. this is why i advocate using popane to check for vac leaks

[@Kobe29261]

You are such a cool guy. Keep riding that bike and stay safe!

[@chrissnobro1312]

dude your videos are freakin awesome !!! i really appreciate your great explanations, I'm gonna do my own clutch tomorrow haha

[@drewmooney3697]

I learned something watching this. Thanks !!!!

[@thepig1970]

lovely there starting to put these on outboards "my work" not looking foward to this.good stuff thx

[@nomap6097]

awww so cute the beginning with the meow

[@MandoRick1978]

Hey Brian you ever messed with butterfly valves? Years ago I worked on a design for a car that would be sleeper until you were ready to drag at which point a couple of switches would open the exhausts fully, start a blower running on an electric clutch. Etc etc. I think you get the idea. I never did get the engine to cooperate. What was needed was a ECU that could handle multiple programs but I could not afford such a thing. Any advice?

[@kkimberly2004YT]

You're extremely knowledgeable.

[@foihdzas]

Brian, You are the man! Very smart, and easy to listen to. Keep up the great knowledge base known as the internet!

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks Jonny!

[@frederickgarcia3901]

Great video! An educator. Please keep doing more.

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks and good luck Shep!

[@dtrrtd774]

What I always wondered after looking at a chunk of it was how they make the honeycomb lattice so perfectly with such thin walls- wouldn't think it was through some extrusion process, but how else could it be done?

[@briansmobile1]

Will do. Thanks. It is getting better too. AND.... I have a new one on the way.

[@sam111880]

nice job for the internals of what a cat looks like inside

[@diesel5355]

Good to see a smart mechanic.

[@antojfinn]

You would make a great college lecturer, easy to listen to and a bit of fun as well

[@gwendolynjackson4454]

whats the price for the front converters for a 2001 mer cedes benz C240

[@hlights1]

Hey bro question I have a 97 sentra it somewhat burns oil not alot a little. Past month car was getting weak on me about a week ago the the CEL came on and the car died right away on me on the highway I popped the hood and the cat was glowing orange very hot had to tow it gave me a PO300 code some kind of misfire is it the cat only? or could it be other things would i need a new cat? i dont know if i should work on it since it does burn oil and i heard that could be the problem.

[@dwdrums828]

Hey Brian my mechanic says you can't put aftermarket cats on subarus because they don't have enough catalysts. Is this true? If so ould you explain why?

[@pcb6162]

Great video! Great sense of humor and an obviously very intelligent man. Thank You for the post!

[@chadanderson1889]

I liked the video. Funny and informative, not many people can pull that off. Good work

[@kwasiofori9607]

Do you recommend any product for chemically cleaning the cat? My 06 scion tc is throwing p0420 code, 420 huh! and i would like to clean the cat.

[@natepraden166]

Very Informative. Thank you sir.

[@scotsys6579]

Great job! Thanks for the super info!

[@johndoe-kz5hq]

very informative, thank you sir. As for the "sleepless nights" I'm afraid I can not help you there. Ear plugs, the soft spongy ones. or as you had said, sleep in the camper. "Out of sight, Out of mind". That should help....Maybe?!