Customer Safety Information

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

CAUTION: The catalytic converter routinely reaches operating temperatures of 650° C (1200° F) and will stay hot for some time after the engine has been shut off. Do NOT park the vehicle over any object or material that could ignite (i.e. dry leaves, cardboard, puddles of oil, or other combustibles). If large amount of unburned gasoline flows into the converter, it may overheat and create a fire hazard. To prevent this, observe the following precautions and explain them to your customer.

1. Use unleaded gasoline only.
2. Avoid prolonged idling.
Avoid running the engine at fast idle speed for more than 10 minutes and at idle speed for more than 20 minutes.
3. Avoid spark jump test. Do spark jump test only when absolutely necessary. Perform this test as rapidly as possible and, while testing, never race the engine.
4. Avoid prolonged engine compression measurement. Engine compression tests must be made as rapidly as possible.
5. Do not run the engine when fuel tank is nearly empty. This may cause the engine to misfire and create an extra load on the converter.
6. Avoid coasting with the ignition key turned off and prolonged braking.
7. Do not dispose of a used catalyst along with contaminated parts.

CARBON MONOXIDE
Exhaust gas contains toxic carbon monoxide. Do not run the engine in confined areas or breathe concentrated exhaust gases. Breathing exhaust gases may cause loss of consciousness or even death.

EXHAUST SYSTEM LEAKS
Repair any leaks in the exhaust system as soon as possible. Hot gases escaping from the leak can ignite flammable materials and may set the vehicle on fire.
Also, exhaust may circulate through the passenger compartment causing throat, sinus, and eye irritation, light headedness, headaches, and increased irritability, especially while driving with windows closed.

FUEL ODORS / EXCESSIVE EMISSIONS
Be alert for fuel odors and excessive tailpipe emissions (black smoke etc.). These are problem indicators.