Genuine Mercedes-Benz 190E Catalytic Converter

Mercedes-Benz 190E Catalytic Converter Parts and Q&A

• Catalytic Converter
  201-490-21-20
  Q: What should an owner be aware of to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of a catalytic converter on Mercedes-Benz 190E?

  A:

  The catalytic converter is an inexpensive, trouble-free, maintenance-free, efficient gadget that has no moving parts and that can be trusted to work perfectly; however, there are some facts that the owner should have known about the functioning of the converter to maintain the performance of the converter during its service life. In petrol engines, it is important to note that leaded petrol should never be used, because lead will cover precious metals within the converter making it less efficient and even breaking the converter. It is also necessary that the ignition and fuel systems should be serviced as per the timetable issued by the manufacturer and in case of misfire of the engine; one should avoid driving too much until you sort things out. It is not recommended to push or to tow the car (this may cause unburned fuel to soak the converter, resulting in overheating when starting your car up again). Also, you should not turn off the ignition on high engine speed. There can be a sulphurous odour of the exhaust, especially with low-grade fuel, but this is avoided with further few thousand seconds. An active catalytic converter is expected to perform a range of 50,000 to 100,000 miles, and once it fails to work, it needs to be replaced. In the petrol and diesel models this is not the case as both models should not take any fuel or engine oil additives, or may damage the converter. When the engine exhausts a lot of oil expelling blue smoke, then the car must not be utilized. One should bear in mind that the catalytic converter is going to work in a hot climate, thus it should not be parked in wet undergrowth, over extensive grass, or under a blanket of fallen leaves after a lengthy exercise. Finally, the converter is delicate and should not be hit with a tool during servicing.