7
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS
3CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
SH020A1-E Hyundai Coupe models are fitted with catalytic convertors which requirespecial operating considerations. The catalytic convertor serves to oxidize certain noxious elements of the ex-haust gases leaving the engine to reduce the level of pollutants emitted from the vehicle and, provided thatcare is exercised to prevent damage, the catalyst will operate efficiently for the life of the vehicle. It is of the utmost importance that the following information is read and un- derstood by the vehicle operator inorder to prevent operational problems arising from damage to the catalyst. Damage to the catalyst will result if contamination occurs through the useof leaded fuel. Whilst the vehicle is fitted with a reduced diameter filler neck to prevent charging of the fueltank with a leaded fuel pump nozzle, it is possible that the use of funnels or jerry cans will permit leaded fuel to beintroduced into the fuel tank.The catalyst is intolerant of unburntfuel and therefore if an engine misfirecondition exists, damage to the cata- lyst will occur. It is imperative that if a misfire condition develops, the ve-hicle is immediately presented to a Hyundai dealer for rectification. Simi- larly, the practice of certain ignitionsystem diagnosis procedures which involve inducing a misfire (cylinder power balance tests for example) mayresult in catalyst damage.For these reasons, it is advisable thatthe exhaust gas emission be tested at each routine service with a gas analyzer having a Hydrocarbon mea-suring facility to ensure continued re- liability of the catalyst. Push or tow starting of the vehicle is to be avoided since unburnt fuel may be enter the catalyst and result in
Catalytic Converter
HGK5061 damage. (Note, it is impossible to push or tow start a Hyundai modelequipped with fuel injection since the fuel pump safety interlock will prevent the pump from operating under theseconditions).Operation of the catalyst involvesextremely high temperatures beingattained within the catalytic conver- tor, and although the convertor is fitted with heat shields, it is importantthat the vehicle is not parked over combustible or volatile material which may result in fire.If the above precautions are not ad-hered to and the catalyst becomesinoperative, the resultant increase in core temperature will result in a "melt down" where the catalyst core willmelt and subsequently may block the exhaust system. Due to the fragile nature of the cata- lyst element, it is important that dam- age does not occur when the vehicleis raised by means of a garage jack. Care must also be exercised to avoid driving over road hazards or debriswhich may cause damage to the cata- lyst element.
