Yes, a bad catalytic converter can cause oil burning. The converter makes it tenacious for the engine to burn the oil. Instead, the engine will burn the fuel mixture that is forced into the engine by the pump. It can cause a lot of wear and tear on the engine.
The catalytic converter is designed to reduce the number of harmful emissions that come out of my car. But, if it is not functioning properly, the converter can commence burning oil.
Later, this burning oil causes the emissions to become even more ruinous. It can even lead to a fire in my engine.
Previously, I noticed oil dripping on the catalytic converter. That is why; it started to smoke. So, it was exigent for me to take action and have it replaced as soon as possible.
After that, I faced several issues related to a bad catalytic converter or oil burning. Let’s explore the most relevant facts here.
Why Is My Car Burning Oil So Fast?
Actually, excessive oil burning is the most common issue for a car. If I ignore it for days, it will damage the core part of the engine severely. In this state, the valve stems, gearbox, and piston rings are at high risk.
Well, there are a few things that can cause your car to burn oil so fast. Let’s dig out those facts in the subsequent lines.
- One of the most common is a faulty oil filter. A dirty oil filter will cause the engine to work harder to get the oil and fuel mixture it needs, which in turn causes the engine to burn more oil.
- A second cause is a blown head gasket. When this happens, the engine’s oil seals are broken, and oil leaks into the engine.
- Thirdly, the engine may be misfiring. It can cause the pistons to hit the cylinder walls too often, which in turn results in oil being burned.
- Fourthly, the engine may be dirty. It can be caused by debris, dust, or other forms of contamination that lodge in the engine and causes it to burn oil.
- Finally, age and mileage can also play a role in how quickly a car burns oil. The older car is more likely to have expired parts that can cause oil to seep and burn more quickly.
How to Stop a Car from Burning Oil
Oftentimes, a bad catalytic converter causes oil consumption. So, when I observed my car was burning excessive oil, then a few simple steps I took to restrain this issue. Those steps are-
- First and foremost, I made sure that the oil level in my engine was correct. If it is not, the oil will be burned much more quickly, leading to a greater likelihood of a fire.
- Second, I ensured that the engine oil was replaced regularly. Not only will this reduce the amount of oil that is burned, but it will also prevent the build-up of sludge and dirt.
- Thirdly, I deeply inspected the engine for leaks. It was really shocking that the catalytic converter and lower part of the engine got some leaks. It repaired some leaks and replaced the oil pan gasket and or rings.
- Fourthly, I checked the rigidity of the valve cover bolts and adjusted them cautiously to bring that tightness to the optimal level.
- Fifthly, I modified the air and fuel mixture and drove the car normally to let the engine warm up.
- Finally, I kept my car clean. It includes removing any objects or debris that may be blocking the oil passages and preventing air from reaching the engine.
Why Does My Car Smell Like Its Burning Oil?
There are a few potential facts that cause a car to smell like it is burning oil. Here, the most common fact is a leaky oil pan. When the oil pan leaks, it causes the oil to seep down into the crankcase, where it is burned and smells like gasoline.
Other facts include a blown head gasket, a cracked block, or a bad engine motor. I required dismantling some parts of the engine to find out the faulty one.
Besides, a bad catalytic converter can burn oil. So, I had to check whether it was a catalytic converter or if the car smelled burning oil from faulty parts. I called a mechanic who inspected it thoroughly.
Read Also: Can a bad catalytic converter cause a lean condition
Here are the Top Picks for Best Motor Oil 2022
- Quaker State Motor Oil (Best Synthetic/$27.93) | Buy Now
- Valvoline 10W-30 Synthetic Blend (Best Budget/$5.48) | Buy Now
- Royal Purple High-Performance Oil (Best Lubricating/$58.54) | Buy Now
- Miles Lubricants 5W-30 Motor Oil (Best for Cold Starts/$84.79) | Buy Now
Conclusion
Like some other folks, I experience black smoke and a bad smell from your engine. Actually, it is such a common issue for the car.
It was likely that my catalytic converter was burning oil. Well, it is an issue that can be fixed, but it may also require replacement.
