Can Oil Damage Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter won’t reduce the oil level in the engine. If you think so, then you are wrong. In most cases, engine oil damages the catalytic converter. Leaking oil or burning oil is the primary reason for this problem. If you don’t know the actual answer, the oil can damage the catalytic converter. 

Engine oil is good for the vehicle, but it can damage the converter when it is burnt. It is a clear answer. In this article, we will give you some necessary information so that you can take the necessary steps to troubleshoot catalytic converter from oil damage.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

Catalyst converters reduce air pollution that can harm humans and the environment, turning 90% of harmful emissions into less harmful gases. Besides, it also improves your vehicle’s performance if the converter is well-maintained. 

Every user must use the converter in their vehicle. The federal government make this rule to keep our air free from acid rain, smog and fatal diseases. If you maintain it properly, it will last for 100,000 miles. 

What Causes Catalytic Converter Failure?

The catalytic converter can damage for two reasons; smoke and burning oil. Folks think that oil is the only reason behind damaging the converter. But that concept was outdated. The main target is smoke, and it can easily produce through burning oil. Directly or indirectly, a converter can fail for two reasons. 

Smoke

But the truth is that catalytic converters can burn oil fumes for thousands of miles, making the exhaust clean and clear. But smoke is a big problem. Smokes from the exhaust contain hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxide.

Every time converter deals with these toxic nasties. If the vehicle is not burning the oil efficiently, the converter will need to handle so many toxic nasties. The overload of the toxic catalytic converter smoke can cause the death of the converter.

Oil pollution

Polluted engine oil can damage catalytic converter. Every engine oil produces vapor. The oil gets polluted if the vapors stay inside the engine. These vapors are heavier than the fuel. When they mix up with the fuel, the oil fails to burn properly. Thus, lead overheating and contaminated catalytic converter.

What Are The Signs of A Bad Catalytic Converter?

Some signs may help you understand the catalytic converter’s bad condition. We have identified 6 different symptoms that help you understand the ruined converter’s condition.

• Engine lights turn on suddenly.
• The engine takes a long time to start.
• Failed emission test.
• Excessive heat under the vehicle.
• Bad smell like rotten eggs from the exhaust.
• Poor fuel economy.

The above signs will approach if the catalytic converter isn’t operating properly. Besides reducing performance, this can also damage the engine. So, if you notice any sign of catalytic converter failure, take troubleshooting steps.

How to Troubleshoot Damaged Catalytic Converter?

If the oil is damaging the catalytic converter, you can troubleshoot it easily. Clean your vehicle engine and clean the fuel system. This will reduce unwanted oil returning upstream to the catalyst converter. 

Protecting fuel systems and preventing oil pollution can troubleshoot the converter’s performance.

Can too Much Oil Damage The Catalytic Converter?

Mileage increases vehicle wear and fuel consumption. This can lead to ignition misfire, high emissions, and possibly catalytic damage. Overfilling the engine oil control rings on the piston that can pull excess oil into the combustion chamber happens by fouling the spark plug and accumulating excess oil in the catalytic converter.