Do Diesel Cars Have Catalytic Converters?

The need for a cleaner environment was the reason for the development of the Catalytic converters. The first ones came out in the 70s for gasoline engines.

Do the diesel engines have a Catalytic converter? This is a topic we are going to explore in the article. Diesel engines are more efficient and stronger than petrol engines.

Their biggest downfall over the years has been their clunky design and toxic emissions.

As the world began to realize the impact of some of these emissions on the environment and human beings, they began to develop ways of reducing emissions.

The device that was developed to help with emissions from automobile engines was called the Catalytic converter.

It worked by turning dangerous emissions such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide into harmless gasses like carbon dioxide and water. 

The process was able to convert nearly all of the gasses.

Diesel cars that were produced from the year 1990 and upwards have catalytic converters, however, they are only used in Diesel cars that were produced from the year 1990 and upwards.

Do all Diesel Engines Have Catalytic Converters?

This technology is not installed on older engines if they were before 1990. Prior to this point, there were some technological enhancements made to help reduce emissions.

The newer engines that are being built for the European market have catalysts installed.

It remains to be seen if more improvements can be made in emissions reduction, as technology improves and more advancements are made.

The Purpose of a Catalytic Converter

We want to dig a little deeper into the workings of the Catalytic converters after I explain the reasons why they exist.

Either close to the engine or further out, the cat is placed along the exhaust pipe.

The Catalytic converters are lined with ceramic and precious metals, which is why they are stolen often.

As the exhaust fumes pass through it, they are oxidized which leads to their changing structure.

The process greatly reduces the toxins within the fumes, making a huge impact on the environment.

To show their commitment to the cause, European countries made it a requirement that cars in Europe have a cat installed.

Diesel engines were the only ones with the Catalytic converter in 1991. They were only available on petrol engines, before that.

Improvements

Improvements were made to the diesel engine over the past 10 years. They are cleaner and more efficient now that they are smaller.

They are designed to be more efficient while being more friendly to the environment.

Some technological improvements had been made to the Diesel engine to make it cleaner before the catalyst was introduced.

The DOC converts Carbon Monoxide to Carbon Dioxide and water, the first these. They were standard on all European vehicles in 2011.

The DFP is a Diesel Particulate Filter. The device was developed to lower diesel emissions.

The mass of diesel particulate is lowered because it traps soot. It oxidizes some of the hydrocarbons that are absorbed on the particles.

How Does a Diesel Catalytic Converter Work?

A Catalytic Converter works by introducing oxygen into the air and neutralizing harmful gasses.

Carbon monoxide and NOx are harmful to humans as well as the environment from diesel fumes.

The gasses are turned into water and nitrogen by the oxidation process. The fumes pass through the converter and it creates high temperatures for them.

This process is possible because of the ceramic and trace elements of precious metals contained in the catalysts.

One of the most stolen parts on a car is the Catalytic converters, because of the precious metals in them.

It is common on vehicles with high clearance where it is easier to get under the vehicle and steal it.

Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the Catalytic Converter can be found either close to the engine or further out in the exhaust mechanism.

It can benefit from the heat generated by the engine if it is closer to the engine. It’s less energy efficient when it’s further out because it has to generate its own heat.

As it is not exposed to the extreme conditions of the engine, placing it further out will give it more longevity.