Like any other part, it wears out, fails prematurely and requires replacement. Many resort to a much cheaper option – they simply remove the neutralizer like a human appendix. Is it possible to buy such a car, and what risks does cutting out this part entail?
The neutralizer is a “can” in the exhaust pipe, after the engine – a thickening with a special filter inside. This filter consists of honeycombs with a chemically active coating that converts toxic gas into less toxic. This happens until the honeycombs become clogged over time or are destroyed by external impacts, other factors. Then the owner is faced with a choice – to change or remove. Replacement will cost a very decent amount. It all depends on the volume of the engine and the premium brand. Therefore, many choose to remove.
If you have a worn-out component, do not rush to throw it away. You can sell it on website Autocatalystmarket and get money for the old filter, which will be a profitable solution.
What happens after removal
Advantages of cutting out the neutralizer:
- The problem with pressure in the exhaust system disappears – the engine does not stall, pulls well and even demonstrates an increase in power by a couple of horsepower.
- Fuel consumption decreases, since the efficiency of the engine increases slightly – it does not need to push the exhaust gases through the filter.
- You can no longer be afraid that the filter will clog or crumble, because it is not there.
Disadvantages of this solution:
- The emission becomes much more toxic – the content of harmful substances in it does not fit even into the Euro 2 framework.
- An unpleasant smell of exhaust gases appears, which may well penetrate into the cabin through the ventilation system or slightly open windows.
- The electronic control unit records an error, and measures must be taken to deceive the system.
- The sound of the exhaust changes slightly – the effect of an empty barrel may occur.
Is it possible to drive without this spare part?
If the question is asked purely in a technical plane, then yes. Of course, because the only function of the neutralizer is to neutralize dangerous emissions. But this does not help the engine to work. Removing the honeycombs, on the contrary, makes the exhaust task simpler, the air comes out freely, lingering only in the muffler. It is necessary to remember that the filter was not invented by motorists, but by environmentalists – it was they who insisted on the introduction of this element and its connection with the “brains” by installing air pollution control sensors. But more on that below.
Pitfalls
The main disadvantage of cutting out the honeycombs is the ECU’s swearing at their absence. The Check Engine sign will inevitably pop up on the dashboard, the car will go into emergency mode, not allowing dynamic driving. This is done in order to inform the owner of the problem: “Driver, you have a malfunction!”
And these problems are specifically related to two sensors – the so-called lambda probes. The first is located in front of the converter, the second – after it. They perform one function – to check the level of harmful substances. When everything works correctly, there will be noticeably less dirt at the outlet than at the inlet. If there is no filter element, the readings will remain unchanged – the electronics will suspect something is wrong. Therefore, craftsmen offer a number of solutions.
