Will a Clogged Catalytic Converter Cause Loss Of Power?

Your engine seems to have dropped in its performance, and when you checked, the spark plugs, oil filters, and other things seem to be in good shape. What then could be the cause of the significant drop? Will a clogged catalytic converter cause loss of power?

Yes, the catalytic converter connects directly to engine cylinders, and if it gets clogged, it can cause engine loss of power. You really should know when your cat converter is no longer functioning well, so you can fix it on time.

Sadly, there are many things a clogged converter can cause in your car, and we will look at them below.

What are the Signs Of A Clogged Converter?

These are the common signs a clogged converter would trigger. You may also want to understand what could clog a catalytic converter, right?

Well, the cat converter has several honeycomb meshes inside; these meshes are what filters out the exhaust fumes coming from the combustion chamber.

Read Also: How Much Is a Catalytic Converter?

If oil or any liquid finds its way into the converter, it can block/clog these mesh passageways. That is the commonest way a catalytic converter gets clogged. Notwithstanding, if unburnt gases get into the convert, it can also clog the meshes.

That said, hereunder are the signs to watch out for when your engine seems to be losing power.

• Rattling noise from the exhaust
• Check engine light is on
• Engine misfiring and rough idling
• Unusual engine overheating
• Rotten egg smell as you drive
• Thick, dark exhaust fumes
• Fuel usage increased hysterically

The moment you start experiencing any of these signs, one of the components you need to check is the catalytic converter. Yes, other components can trigger these signs when they go bad – components like spark plugs, injectors, carburetors, and filters.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to know your catalytic converter is clogged.

Will a Clogged Catalytic Converter Cause Loss Of Power?

Well, at the initial stage, a clogged converter won’t cause any harm to your engine. It only starts affecting your engine’s performance when it is left unclogged for a longer time. So, if you were able to detect the signs earlier and fix/unclog the converter, your engine would never suffer a loss.

In contrast, if the clogged catalytic converter is not unclogged as soon as possible, it can cause a significant loss of engine power.

Yes, it can cause a loss of power because the emissions from the combustion chambers are returning back into the engine instead of going out through the exhaust pipe.

Apparently, a clogged converter would prevent the passage of exhaust fumes; thus, the fumes bounce back into the engine.

When these fumes get into the engine, they form buildups, and thus reduces how the internal engine components perform; that’s why a clogged converter can cause poor performance.

What More?

Will a clogged catalytic converter cause loss of power? I believe you already know the answer to this question. Unclogging a catalytic converter is not so expensive, especially when you compare the cost with what you would spend if the clogged converter is not fixed and your engine finally breakdown.

Furthermore, it is advisable to have a professional mechanic work on your cat converter since it is a crucial component that works in hand with the engine. Also, ensure to fix other minors that may be detected during the cat converter repair.

Read Also: Can a Car Run Without a Catalytic Converter?