Have you wondered hearing about what pre catalytic converters are, what they do and how it works?
Basically, pre catalytic converter is an extra item to backup the performance failure of the engine If somehow main catalytic converters don’t work pre cats tackle that. There are many engines that pre cats used prevalently including tractors.

But, many of us don’t have enough knowledge about it and in this post, I will be discussing
- What is pre catalytic converter?
- How does pre catalytic converter work?
- Purpose of pre catalytic converter.
- Importance of pre catalytic converter and etc.
What Are Pre-Cats? (In Simple Words)
A pre-catalytic converter is an additional device used to improve the performance of the main catalytic converter. Actually, it acts as an assistant to ensure each process of the converter is running smoothly. It also refers to “pre cats”.
It consists of a ceramic matrix coated in various metals that chemically converts exhaust gasses into less harmful alternatives. The oxygen sensor creates cycles of lean and rich, which are used to recharge the matrix for the conversion process to take place.
How Does Pre Catalytic Converter Works? (In Easy Words)
As you know what pre cats are, it’s time to get familiar with how it works.
So, how pre-catalytic converters work? Pre cats work as a makeshift and carry out interim responsibilities including taking care of the harmful chemical of exhaust gas and converting them into less pollutant gas.
There is a bottleneck in the engine which affects the catalytic converter to start off as it takes to warm up the engine. At this time polluted air can pass and emit into the air without being processed if there were not any pre-cats. Even pre cats can prevent harmful gas emissions into the main cats as well as prevent damage to the cylinder.
Read More: how much does a catalytic converter weigh
What is the purpose of a pre catalytic converter?
The purpose of a pre-cat is simple to facilitate main cats by acting as interim cats when pre-cats are yet not ready to function at full scale. In such cases, pre cats take responsibility and do the same job the main cats do.
Here are the things pre cats handle in the absence of pre cats:
- Block harmful gas penetration into the main pre catalytic converter.
- Prevent potential damage to the pre-catalytic converter.
Importance Of Pre Catalytic Converter
At the first sight, it might seem there is no importance of pre-cats while there is a main pre-cats there to function the process. Didn’t you think so?
Anyway if you have learnt the benefits of pre cats beforehand you might haven’t thought so! So, in this section, you are going to learn the benefits of pre cats.
Here are some of the benefits of pre cats:
- Filter harmful pollutants like monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons from exhaust gases.
- Improve the quality of exhaust fumes.
- Ensure the safety of the environment.
More read: how many catalytic converters are in an Acura MDX
Can an engine work without pre-cats? (Revealed)
Yes, can work. There are two types of catalytic converters.
- Pre-catalytic converters are installed before the engine and are generally found in vehicles with 3.3l engines.
- Post-catalytic converters are installed after the engine and are generally found in vehicles with 5.0l engines. Post-catalytic converters are much smaller than pre-catalytic converters and are often more expensive.
Symptoms of a bad pre catalytic converter: Beware Beforehand
Pre Catalytic converters (PC) are part of the exhaust system of a vehicle and help reduce emissions of harmful gases.
When the PC fails, it increases backpressure, which causes the engine to work harder, resulting in overheating, loss of power, and other related issues. To avoid these problems, make sure that the PC is installed correctly, tune regularly and is working properly.
Before it is too late, recognizing the signs of pre-catalytic converter failure will enable you to order or replace the converter before it is too late. Some symptoms you should watch for are:
- Oil losses are extreme.
- The engine lacks power to move the wheels
- Strange/unusual engine noise.
Read Also: Will High Flow Cats Pass Emissions? (Yes Or No)
FAQs
What is a pre domestic catalytic converter?
A pre-domestic catalytic converter is a device that helps convert toxic exhaust fumes into less harmful gases. These are usually installed on vehicles before they are sold to the public, and they prevent pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What Is A Pre Obd2 Catalytic Converter?
A pre obd2 catalytic converter is an automotive part that allows you to run your vehicle on the older emission standards.
It has two primary functions – one, to reduce the pollution levels, and two, to add a layer of protection to your engine.
These parts usually cost $100-$400 depending on the type and quality of your vehicle. They can be ordered online through a few reputable websites, and you can easily install them yourself.
The Bottom Line
Pre catalytic converter is a supplement to regular catalytic converter. They act main role of filtering harmful pollutants.
It’s kind of interim work. When the main catalytic converter can’t work due to any technical limitations pre cats carried out the process flawlessly.
With that being said, pre cats are an indispensable part of the converter yet doesn’t affect the process. So, upgrading to pre cats depends on your purchasing ability, hence it’s not a must-have to upgrade thing.