Posted by Tug Boat Lonnie on Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 8:01PM :
In Reply to: Headers and catalytic convertors posted by Bill on Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 6:38PM :
This is just a guess, so take it with a grain of salt. Catalytic convertors are expensive and run quite hot. As I understand it the exhaust gases run to the catalytic convertor where they are passed over a platinum coated wire grid. The hydrocarbons that were unburnt during the normal combustion stroke in the engine are oxidized (burnt) during this process creating the aformentioned heat. I would imagine a older engine that was a little out of tune might dump enough rich mixture into this converter to get it glowing red hot. This could be a problem depending on where the convertor was and if you were in tall brush. Just keep a couple of good fire extinguishers handy.
I would not go this route if it were my truck.
Just my two cents
Lonnie
Follow Ups: