Can a faulty catalytic converter be caused by too lean/rich mixture?

Question

About 3 months ago the catalytic converter of my car (Huyndai Lantra) was faulty and replaced by a muffler shop. Unfortunately, it is faulty again now. I took it back to the same muffler shop and they told me that it could have been caused by a too lean or too rich mixture. Does it make sense what they say? because my mechanics can't find anything wrong with the mixture setting and/or bad timing. Please help with your comments. Thanks!

Answer 1

A lean condition can kill a cat convertor quickly as it will overheat.any condition that will damage a convertor will normally also give you a driveability problem of some kind-lack of power or even a hard start.

Answer 2

A misfire will cause the quick demise of a cat. any time there is more gas then the cat can burn off it will cause it to get plugged up. It also depends if the muffler shop put the right size cat on the car because a universal cat might be to large for a small car like the elantra.

Is your check engine light on? Is the car newer then 96? If you answer yes to both of those questions I would be talking to the muffler shop.

Answer 3

yes because to much fuel will cause the converter to over heat and this will break apart the material inside which will clog the exhaust system. try changing the O2 sensor check and replace air filter if necessary and clean out throttle body and intake plenum. If this does not help than your car could need new plugs and wires. If your mechanic cant find the problem than take the car to a more knowledgeable mechanic.

Answer 4

Yes. Also, an air leak in the exhaust system before the Cat. can cause problems too.

Answer 5

yes that can kill a converter but it should have turned your check engine light on too.