<P> Upon failure, a catalytic converter can be recycled into scrap . The precious metals inside the converter, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium, are extracted . </P> <P> Catalytic converters require temperature of 800 degrees Fahrenheit (426 ° C) to efficiently convert harmful exhaust gases into inert gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor . Therefore, the first catalytic converters were placed close to the engine to ensure fast heating . However, such placing caused several problems, such as vapor lock . It occurred several minutes after the engine is shut off, as the heat from the catalytic converter influences fuel in the fuel lines, which makes it first boil and then aerate . This condition of fuel results in non-start condition which lasts until the engine and fuel in the lines cool down . </P> <P> As an alternative, catalytic converters were moved to a third of the way back from the engine, and were then placed underneath the vehicle . </P> <P> A 2 - way (or "oxidation", sometimes called an "oxi - cat") catalytic converter has two simultaneous tasks: </P>

Where does a catalytic converter go on a car