What causes a catalytic converter to go bad?

Question

I have a Chevy 2000 Suburban with about 85,000 miles. Is it too soon for this to go out? Or does this point to possible other problems? Thanks!

Answer 1

Rhoda is correct.
Also one fill-up of leaded gasoline will kill a converter. The lead fouls up the catalysts in the converter.
Dan.

Answer 2

Catalytic Converter Failure Causes

Answer 3

Causes Of Catalytic Converter Failure

Answer 4

He's yanking your chain! The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is used to take unburned combustion gases and put them back into the combustion chamber. If you look at where it is on your engine, it is on the rocker cover and has a tube that leads back to the clean side air hose. It refers to the 'crankcase' because the vacuum on the system (created by the clean air passing through that same clean air hose) actually draws the leftover fuel and moisture out of the cam housing instead of letting it drip back down into the oilpan (crankcase). There is a VERY slight chance that if you drove with a bad PCV valve for a long time that you could start to create sludge in your oil which could then create more debris during combustion, THAT would lead to a blocked catalyst, but I think your first order of business should be to get a second opinion...

Answer 5

This could be due to other problems. If your mixture is off because you have a bad Oxygen Sensor or a bad Air Mass Sensor, you could burn up your cat.

Catalytic converters are often guaranteed for 5 years or 50,000 miles (that's for a replacement). Unfortunately for you, it's probably out of warranty. This is really an issue of wear-and-tear. Some last longer and some don't. Unfortunately for you, yours lasted until it was a bit beyond warranty (although it never hurts to check with your dealer).

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What causes a catalytic converter to go bad?
I have a Chevy 2000 Suburban with about 85,000 miles. Is it too soon for this to go out? Or does this point to possible other problems? Thanks!

Answer 7

converter usally is said to be "murdered" most of the time this is caused by engine misfires or fuel system problem . make sure that the engine does not have any misfire data stored in the computers memory. you will need to take it somewhere and have the engine data looked at. look at misfires,fuel trim , and such . since this vehicle is just over 80,000 miles or8 years you have just passed the federal emissions warranty. this is a warranty that the federal gov makes car makers give on the cats.
more than likely you vehicle has a p0420 code stored in memory.

Answer 8

Catylitic conerters work by acting as a catylist (hence the name) for a chemical reaction to breake hydrocarbons (ie. gas) into carbon dioxide and other less poluting compounds. This reaction roduces heat. Whn a vehical is running rich (too much gas) or misfires letting nburnt gas into the exhaust, the cat needs to work harder, making more heat. Too much heat and the catylist (which is honycomed to make more surface area to react with the exhaust) can melt- hence: dead converter

Answer 9

cats are only good for 60 to 80k miles i replace about 10 a week at work. things that cause them to go out early is if your engine burns oil or if you have a performance chip. the chip gives to much fuel and goes to the cat. 85k is not bad for a cat you should be happy it made it this long. if you 4x4 it has a lot to do with it also.

Answer 10

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/awNJo

Not sure what your question is, but I'd say that I doubt you need to fix all that just because your PVC went bad. I'd get an inspection from a mechanic that you trust.