Global Converters recommends OBDII By Design Direct Fit Catalytic Converters. Our Direct Fit converters are produced to the highest standards in the aftermarket industry. These Converters are OBDII By Design, application specific designed for your vehicle. They are designed to fit exactly like the Original Equipment unit with little to no cutting or fabrication required. In most cases our Direct Fit Converters are 100% Stainless Steel including all of the pre-bent piping.

Global Direct Fit Converters come with all necessary gaskets. In some cases common clamps and nut and bolt hardware may be needed which is locally available at most auto parts and hardware stores. The Limited Lifetime Warranty Registration card is also included with all new Converters.

View this post

Global Converters sells a complete line of Universal Replacement Catalytic Converters. Universal Converters are simply the Catalytic Converter less the pre-bent piping used in Direct Fit applications. The use of Universal Converter replacements require cutting, welding and fabricating. Because placement is critical in OBDII applications (1997 and later year vehicles) installation is recommended by experienced professional installers only. Please call Global Converters at 1-888-225-8698 to place an order for any universal converter.

View this post

View this post

One-wire and two-wire “unheated” type oxygen sensors should be check or replaced ever 30,000 to 50,000 miles. These sensors rely solely on hot exhaust gas to heat up to operating temperature, and are designed to allow a large volume of exhaust gas to make contact with the active ceramic element. These sensors are exposed to contamination, especially the “wide-slot” varieties found on Chrysler, Ford and General Motors vehicles.

“Heated” type oxygen sensors have a built-in heater which heats the sensors. Much less exhaust gas needs to contact the ceramic element, making these sensors less prone to contamination.

“Heated” type sensors can also be located further downstream, (closer to the catalytic converter), which increases their life expectancy. “Heated” type oxygen sensors should be checked or replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

View this post

Oxygen sensors can fail when the sensor’s ceramic element is exposed to certain types of silicone compounds or when an oil-burning engine leads to the sensor becoming oil-fouled. Also, a small amount tetra-ethyl lead in the gasoline can kill an oxygen sensor. Over-the-counter fuel additives, which are not “oxygen sensor safe”, can also kill an oxygen sensor.

Failures can occur either: 1) instantaneously at the time the contaminant contacts the oxygen sensor, causing a dead sensor, or 2) gradually over a period of time. Gradual deterioration results in a “slow” sensor which does not react as quickly as it should, causing the catalytic converter to perform less efficiently. This can lead to premature failure of the catalytic converter.

“Slow” oxygen sensors can cause a drop in fuel economy of 10-15% and cause excessive exhaust emissions and poor drivability. Unfortunately, the symptoms of a “slow” oxygen sensor are not always obvious to the vehicle owner, unless the vehicle fails an emissions test, a decline in fuel economy is noticed, or drivability problems occur.

A “dead” sensor can be detected with a relatively inexpensive digital volt-ohmmeter. A “slow” sensor can only be diagnosed by using a digital oscilloscope or scope meter. Most installers will probably not be able to spot an oxygen sensor problem until it is too late, and the catalytic converter is already well on its way to failure.

View this post