Subaru Forester Catalytic Converters

How to Keep Your Subaru Forester Catalytic Converter in Its Top Form

Your Subaru Forester catalytic converter functions by burning gas in the exhaust system of the vehicle so that fresh air can be brought into the system. It is specially designed to have maximum efficiency since it prevents gas clogging in the exhaust system. Now, because of this critical function, it is highly important to maintain this engine part for better performance. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Clean the catalytic converter personally.

You can maintain your car's catalytic converter by easily cleaning it yourself. All you need is a cloth or sponge, hot water, and a power spray. These can help you remove the dirt and grease from the surface of the converter.

• Remove the catalytic converter to check its condition.

The catalytic converter can be removed for you to check excessive hydrocarbon to avoid congestion of gas. If there is a rattling sound when you shake the catalytic converter, then there is a gas build-up internally. Thus, you should let the converter to be dried out of too much gas, or use an air hose with high pressure.

• Use your vehicle consistently.

If you need to drive in the city, it is better to keep the engine running at a suitable highway speed, preferably for longer hours at regular use. The catalytic converter needs heat, which is high enough to burn gas in the exhaust system. So it is better to avoid cold starts and keep the heat condition of the engine at a stable level for the converter to work efficiently.

• Observe engine tune-up.

Keep in mind that tune-up is a must for maintenance. The cylinders of the catalytic converter must have enough heat in order to burn excess gas, which can prevent better engine performance. Make sure that you are able to follow scheduled maintenance of your engine system.

If you think that your car needs professional handling, be sure that the people in charge have the right tools for your Subaru Forester catalytic converter. It is better to have your catalytic converter checked as much as possible because a well-maintained one will be able to save more gas, thus this will allow you to enjoy savings as well.

• The catalytic converter may melt inside or break apart due to extreme temperatures brought about the presence of excess fuel in the exhaust or may get damaged when oil or antifreeze infiltrates the exhaust.
• With a clogged or damaged catalytic converter, the vehicle will be prone to overheating and will suffer from increased harmful emissions, fuel inefficiency, and poor engine performance.
• If you have not done any modification on the engine or exhaust of your Forester, then it may be best to just look for OEM-equivalent replacements. However, if there have been some customizations done on the exhaust or engine, you may switch to a high-flow catalytic converter to reap the full benefits of the performance upgrades.

Although the Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV, driving it feels more like you are behind the wheel of a car, not a utility vehicle. What can make the Forester a little less reliable and fun to drive is when its catalytic converter has burnt up too much catalyst inside or has started to fall apart. A clogged or faulty Subaru Forester catalytic converter will not only make your SUV flank the smog test but can also lead to a restricted exhaust. If cleaning can no longer fix it, then the time has come for you to start shopping for a new one.

Subaru catalytic converters break down exhaust gases, such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, into oxygen and water vapor. Toxic fumes that pass through the ceramic honeycomb structure are transformed into less harmful emissions as a chemical reaction from the catalyst materials (Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium).

The Subaru catalytic converter may melt inside or break apart due to extreme temperatures brought about the presence of excess fuel in the exhaust. The underlying cause could be improper engine timing, a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, faulty spark plugs, or an imbalanced air-fuel ratio. Damage to the catalytic converter may also be caused by oil or antifreeze infiltrating the exhaust due to broken gaskets, valve seals, or piston rings. This will create carbon soot that will clog the converter. If the engine is not operating at proper conditions, this will adversely affect the converter over time.

With a clogged or damaged catalytic converter, your SUV will be prone to overheating. This will not only lead to increased harmful emissions but will also cause a drop in fuel economy and will harm engine performance. The engine may run roughly because of additional backpressure and the vehicle may lose power when accelerating, going uphill, or carrying heavy loads.

On an average, catalytic converters may last up 70,000 to 100,000 miles. Their service life is determined by the condition of the engine and the rest of the exhaust system, as well as how the vehicle is driven over a period of time. Once it begins to wear out, you will be alerted of its condition through these warning signs:

Flashing warning light on the dashboard

This warning light can tell you that something is wrong with the catalytic converter, the engine, or any other part of the vehicle. Using a scanner, you can run a diagnostic check on your SUV and see if the trouble codes point to a bad catalytic converter.

Rotten egg smell from the exhaust

The unburnt exhaust gases create this pungent smell from the exhaust. The underlying cause could be a clogged catalytic converter.

Rattling noise while driving

Any unusual sound, such as the rattling noise when driving or cranking up the engine, can be a sign of a faulty catalytic converter.

If you have not done any modification on the engine or have not made any exhaust performance upgrade on your Forester, then it may be best to just look for an OEM-equivalent replacement for your vehicle. At this point, all you have to do is search for a catalytic converter or any Subaru Forester parts that match the vehicle specifications (e.g., 2009 Subaru Forester catalytic converter) and meet the requirements.

However, if there have been some customizations done on the exhaust or engine, you may switch to a high-flow catalytic converter to match the performance upgrades and see more improvements. This converter typically features an inlet and outlet that have the same size as the pipes in the exhaust for optimum airflow. Make sure, though, that the catalytic converter meets the emissions standards and other regulations in your local state.

The catalytic converter can be considered as a filter. Why? It functions by converting damaging compounds in the engine system into less harmful gases before being released in the atmosphere. Luckily, this car part can last for a long period of time, but it is still important for it to be checked and monitored. The Subaru Forester catalytic converter is made from high-quality catalytic case and is equipped with durable heat protection. But still, there are problems that you may encounter with your catalytic converter as time progresses. It is important that you know how to detect those problems and be able to troubleshoot them.

Overheating of catalytic converter

This can be detected when there is a misfiring or a shaky feeling when you run your engine. Overheating is usually caused by the excessive fuel mixture on the pipes of the catalytic converter. To troubleshoot, you should check the exhaust system in general, as well as the oxygen sensors which regulate the flow of air and fuel.

Back pressure in the catalytic converter

This is similar to overheating, as back pressure is caused by an exhaust blockage. It means that air from the exhaust cannot escape, thus fresh air is blocked from coming in. You can use a vacuum test in order to determine if there is still a back pressure in the catalytic converter. If the reading of pressure stabilizes, then the converter is back to its normal operation.

Cookout of catalytic converter

This is worse than overheating because when there is an exhaust leak, your catalytic converter can be burnt. Thus, it is really important to have regular maintenance of the engine system, aside from choosing quality gasoline or fuel for your car.

Other parts to be considered

Along with the catalytic converter are the PCV valves and the EGR systems, which are also vital to be checked when you are troubleshooting.

• PCV Valves: The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valves have spring tension which should be enough because little or too much tension can affect the oil levels in the combustion system.

• EGR Systems: EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) systems function as nitrous oxide blockers, which allow the regulation of combustion temperature. If EGR systems are clogged, then pressure could be built, which can cause engine misfire and can damage the converter.