catalytic converter on '88 16V

[area53 at validpath.com (Jeff Toomasson)]

Well - I'm glad you got the answer you needed because it didn't seem like
you had a complete grasp of the concept. In your original email, you said:

"the element that reacts with the exhaust gets used up."

By definition, in a chemical reaction, a catalyst does not get "used up".
Depending on what you're referring to when you say "element", the
interpretation could change...If you're referring to the chemical elements
(Pt, Pd, Rh), then it's definitely incorrect. If you're referring to the
element as the matrix that is coated by the catalyst(s), then your point has
some merit though I have not heard it referred to as that before (nor is it
identified as such in the article you cited).

JT
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Don Walter" <dswalterwi@earthlink.net>
To: "Jeff Toomasson" <area53@validpath.com>; <Gadzby@aol.com>;
<scirocco-l@scirocco.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2004 7:20 AM
Subject: Re: catalytic converter on '88 16V


> And the answer is:
> http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question482.htm
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jeff Toomasson <area53@validpath.com>
> Sent: Mar 31, 2004 8:57 AM
> To: Don Walter <dswalterwi@earthlink.net>, Gadzby@aol.com,
> scirocco-l@scirocco.org
> Subject: Re: catalytic converter on '88 16V
>
> then why is it called a "catalytic" converter? Sure is a bit
contradictory,
> don't you think?
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Don Walter" <dswalterwi@earthlink.net>
> To: <Gadzby@aol.com>; <scirocco-l@scirocco.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2004 6:28 AM
> Subject: Re: catalytic converter on '88 16V
>
>
> > Catalytic converters can and do wear out.  They perform a chemical
change
> on the gases going through them.  Eventually the element that reacts with
> the exhaust gets used up.  CC can be destroyed or recked by leaded gas or
> certain chemical additives.  Also if your car is running to rich that
causes
> them to wear out faster.
> >
> > Don
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Gadzby@aol.com
> > Sent: Mar 30, 2004 10:13 PM
> > To: dswalterwi@earthlink.net, scirocco-l@scirocco.org
> > Subject: Re: catalytic converter on '88 16V
> >
> > Thanks all for the great feedback on the various options for catalytic
> > converters.  I think I'll try one of the TT models and then look for a
> local
> > installer.  Unless I can get those rusted bolts off myself....
> >
> > BTW is it true that CC's don't "wear out" - they fail when there's
another
> > problem at hand?  If so, what's the most common failure mode on the
> Scirroco?
> >
> > Grant
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Scirocco-l mailing list
> > Scirocco-l@scirocco.org
> > http://neubayern.net/mailman/listinfo/scirocco-l
> >
> >
> > Don Walter - Waukesha, WI
> > 1984 1.8 8V Pewter Scirocco (sold years ago)
> > 1986 2L 16V Toronado Red Scirocco (under repair)
> > 1988 1.8 16V Toronado Red Scirocco (sold on 3/29/04)
> > 1986 1.8 16V Black Scirocco (my new ride)
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Scirocco-l mailing list
> > Scirocco-l@scirocco.org
> > http://neubayern.net/mailman/listinfo/scirocco-l
>
>
>
> Don Walter - Waukesha, WI
> 1984 1.8 8V Pewter Scirocco (sold years ago)
> 1986 2L 16V Toronado Red Scirocco (under repair)
> 1988 1.8 16V Toronado Red Scirocco (sold on 3/29/04)
> 1986 1.8 16V Black Scirocco (my new ride)