Guide On: How Much Platinum Is In A Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter in a car is made of platinum. That is why it is one of the most expensive parts of a vehicle. Now the question is how much platinum is in a catalytic converter? See, generally, you can have 3 to 7 grams (0.1 to 0.3 ounces) of platinum in a catalytic converter. But, this is not the fixed measurement. The amount of platinum can be increased based on the model of the car, its year of making, size, and model.  

However, platinum is not the only material that is used to make a catalytic converter. The other two materials are rhodium and palladium. All three components are known as group materials. 

Today, in this guide, I am going to give you a detailed note on how much platinum is in a catalytic converter. Also, I will discuss the reasons for using such a priciest material in a catalytic converter and how you can recover platinum from catalytic converters. So, keep reading. 

Why Do Catalytic Converters Contain Precious Metals?

We all are aware of the fact that platinum is one of the rarest and priciest metals. While making a catalytic converter in a car or any other vehicle, developers use this rare material. But, why do they use platinum even though it is so rare and pricy? Well, the main reason for using platinum in a catalytic converter is that platinum can oxidize the release of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrocarbons (HC) from the car’s engine. The use of platinum converts Carbon Monoxide and Hydrocarbons into less harmful substances. Platinum also catalyzes the reaction of the reduction-oxidation.  

The presence of palladium, rhodium, and platinum in a catalytic converter minimizes the number of harmful toxins in the exhaust of a vehicle. This way, they ensure all emission tests of your car.  These three materials also decrease the odor of the pollutants. So, when you own a vehicle, you can’t drive it without a catalytic converter. Catalytic converters are also vulnerable to theft. So, make sure you protect your car the best you can. 

How Can You Recover Platinum From A Catalytic Converter?

Now, if your catalytic converter is old enough and no longer useful, do not throw it away. You can get a great market value for it if you can recover the platinum from the catalytic converter. 

The catalytic converter is a honeycomb-like structure. Now, if you want to recover platinum from a catalytic converter, you will have to go through a specific process. Below, I am going to give you detailed steps regarding the extraction of platinum from a catalytic converter.

Step 1: Remove The Catalytic Converter First

First, you need to find out the catalytic converter underneath the car. Detach it carefully. You can use a chop saw or a flame cutter to remove the catalytic converter from your vehicle. On the other hand, you can take a socket wrench and unscrew the bolts. Be very careful and do not hurt yourself in this process. 

Step 2: Split The Catalytic Converter

Once you remove the catalytic converter from the car, you can take a cutting torch or a flame cutter to split it. Before you jump straight into this process, I strongly recommend wearing protective goggles and a pair of heavy industrial hand gloves. Otherwise, it can be very harmful to you. 

Step 3: Unlatch The ceramic Honeycomb Of The Catalytic Converter

When you have successfully opened the catalytic converter by splitting it up, you should try to unlatch the ceramic honeycomb of the component. Handle the case carefully and bring out the platinum from the case. 

Step 4: Take A Screwdriver And Bring Out The Platinum

You will need a flat-head screwdriver in this process. If you lack a flat-head screwdriver, you can consider using a box cutter to bring out the platinum. A hand-pick and peel-off will do the job for you. So, you can choose any of these tools according to your suitability. With the help of these tools, you can pry out the platinum in 30 to 50 minutes.

Again, I am warning you about this dangerous process. You better be equipped with the necessary protections while you are in this process. Now, if you are thinking of selling the extracted platinum to a proper place, the best you can do is contact a metal dealer in your locality. 

Note: If you are feeling that you are not able to complete this task alone, do not hesitate to call a professional. Also, you can go to an expert. He will do the job for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions-

Q1. How much is the platinum out of a catalytic converter worth?

Ans. Platinum is a precious metal used to make a catalytic converter. Now, you can’t decide on a fixed price for platinum in a catalytic converter. This is because platinum’s value in a catalytic converter is based upon multiple factors such as the type of vehicle, the size of the car, and a lot more things. However, you can get 3 to 7 grams of platinum in a catalytic converter for $99 to $200. But, this value can go up to $300 depending on the size of the car, its model, and its year of making. 

Q2. How do you get platinum out of a catalytic converter?

Ans. Catalytic converters include three rarest materials- platinum, palladium, and rhodium. It is used as a resistance like gold. If you want to get platinum out of a catalytic converter, you need to extract it. There is a particular process for it.  The processes include catalytic converter recovery, converter recycling, and more. However, you can’t do it alone. You will need an expert for the process. If you want to do it alone, here are the steps:

• Remove The Catalytic Converter First
• Split The Catalytic Converter
• Open the ceramic honeycomb.
• Bring out the platinum with a flat-head screwdriver or a box cutter.

Q3. Do all catalytic converters have platinum in them?

Ans. Generally, all catalytic converters are made of platinum. It is one of the catalyst components of a catalytic converter. The other two catalyst components of a catalytic converter are rhodium and palladium. Now, these three components are called group metals. Also, they are rare materials. That is why platinum is one of the essential components in a catalytic converter. Car brands like Ram 2500, Ford F250, Ford Mustang, and others use most platinum in their catalytic converters. 

To Wrap It Up

Now that you are aware of the amount of platinum used in a catalytic converter, you need to protect your car the best you can. Platinum is one of the priciest and rarest materials used while making a catalytic converter. So, it can be theft if you do not protect it carefully. Also. do not throw away your old catalytic converter even if it is no longer useful. It is still worth selling. On the other hand, you can consider extracting platinum from the catalytic converter instead of selling it in the market. 

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