Catalytic Converter Temp (1 Viewer)

[Candy Man]

Does anybody know the operating temperature before and after the catalytic converter on a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser in normal operating condition?

Thanks

 

[flintknapper]

I'll try to find a post I made about that subject last year, but I can tell you there needs to be about 100°F difference if things are working correctly.

 

[Candy Man]

Thanks. Does 500° to 700° seem high for a reading?

 

[flintknapper]

Thanks. Does 500° to 700° seem high for a reading?

Not necessarily. The operating temperature can vary widely depending upon conditions upstream of the converter. 'Most' converters will 'light off' around 350-400°F and you want to see at least 100-150°F higher temperature at the rear weld line (take a reading with an IR temp gun at the front weld line and compare the reading at the rear weld line). Do not take a reading of the Cat body itself.

So...if you had 500°F at the front and 700°F at the rear weld line it would suggest the Cat is functioning. IF the exit temp was wildly higher than the inlet temp....you would want to see why your fuel mixture was out of whack, the Cat would be working too hard.

 

[Candy Man]

Interesting. I just replaced all spark plugs and old ones look really really good in color of burn. I've been having some power issues and was just curious if maybe the cat is clogged or broken up and not functioning correctly creating a flow issue.

 

[Candy Man]

Interesting. I just replaced all spark plugs and old ones look really really good in color of burn. I've been having some power issues and was just curious if maybe the cat is clogged or broken up and not functioning correctly creating a flow issue.
Could the front O2 sensor not working correctly in front of the cat to create a power issue?

 

[flintknapper]

Interesting. I just replaced all spark plugs and old ones look really really good in color of burn. I've been having some power issues and was just curious if maybe the cat is clogged or broken up and not functioning correctly creating a flow issue.

A plugged (partial) Cat or Muffler will definitely have an effect on power. Usually OK at low rpm (pulling away from a light) but less return on throttle input as you go. That is not a fool proof diagnostic tool you understand. Lots of things can account for power loss. A trusted muffler shop might be able to test the back pressure of muffler and give their idea about your Cats.

 

[Candy Man]

A plugged (partial) Cat or Muffler will definitely have an effect on power. Usually OK at low rpm (pulling away from a light) but less return on throttle input as you go. That is not a fool proof diagnostic tool you understand. Lots of things can account for power loss. A trusted muffler shop might be able to test the back pressure of muffler and give their idea about your Cats.

A plugged (partial) Cat or Muffler will definitely have an effect on power. Usually OK at low rpm (pulling away from a light) but less return on throttle input as you go. That is not a fool proof diagnostic tool you understand. Lots of things can account for power loss. A trusted muffler shop might be able to test the back pressure of muffler and give their idea about your Cats.

Thanks for the input