Converter Valves

In carbureted engine applications, the raw fuel mixture in the exhaust tends to increase dramatically when the driver suddenly lifts their foot off of the accelerator pedal. To prevent anything catastrophic from happening due to the explosive nature of this fuel-rich mixture, engineers implemented a device called a converter valve. This device senses the increase in fuel in the exhaust and diverts the air pump’s outlet into the outside atmosphere, thus avoiding any potentially dangerous post-combustion ignition. Today’s catalytic converters use similar valves, which allow the mixture of outside oxygen with the spent exhaust gasses, allowing for a cleaner burn and in turn, better emissions.