Exhaust System

Exhaust systems vary between engine, transmission and vehicle models. Catalytic converters use clamshell catalysts of one-piece construction.

All Ford gasoline-powered vehicles employ the catalytic converter or a conventional oxidational catalyst (COC) in their emission control systems and require the use of unleaded fuel.

The engine (6007) uses a catalytic converter. The location and type of exhaust system gaskets, retaining clamps and support brackets are shown in the illustrations in this section.

Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter, mounted in the engine exhaust stream:

• Plays a major role in the emission control system.
• Works as a gas reactor.
• Functions to speed up the heat-producing chemical reaction between components of the exhaust gases in order to reduce the air pollutants.
• Catalyst material is made of a ceramic substrate that is coated with a high surface area alumina and impregnated with catalytically active palladium.
• Catalyst material is what plays a major role in heat absorption to produce a chemical reaction.

Precautions

 WARNING: EXHAUST GASES CONTAIN CARBON MONOXIDE, THAT CAN BE HARMFUL TO HEALTH. POTENTIALLY LETHAL EXHAUST SYSTEM LEAKS SHOULD BE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY. NEVER OPERATE THE ENGINE IN ENCLOSED AREAS.

 WARNING: NEVER IDLE ENGINE IN ENCLOSED AREAS. NEVER SIT IN A PARKED OR STOPPED VEHICLE FOR AN EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. EXHAUST FUMES, PARTICULARLY CARBON MONOXIDE, MAY BUILD UP. THESE FUMES ARE HARMFUL AND POTENTIALLY LETHAL.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and can be present with all other exhaust fumes. If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside the vehicle, inspect the exhaust system immediately and correct the condition.

The following precautions must be observed when operating a vehicle equipped with a catalytic converter.

The catalytic converter has been designed to provide a long service life. No maintenance is necessary for the converter; however, the following conditions must be avoided:

• Driving with misfiring engine.
• Parking or stopping over combustible material such as dry grass. The material may be ignited by the high temperature of the catalytic converter and muffler (5230).