catalytic convertor

[teskay1]

what is inside a catalytic converter, I found long pieces of what looks like hair or string hanging out of my exhaust and dont know what it is, is it kids mucking around or the inside of the cat. ???

[KebabMeister]

A catalytic converter is a very fine filter made up of semi-precious metals such as platinum, rhodium etc.  It basically heats up to around 600 deg C (heated by exhaust gases) and then burns away and converts carbon monoxide and nitrates of oxygen into carbon dioxide.  Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the same as what humans exhale and can be converted into oxygen through photosynthesis (only during daylight I might add!!  Reversed at night).

 

The catalyst is usually located as near to the engine as possible so it heats up quick.  Did you find the long pieces of 'hair or string' at the very end of the exhaust?  If you did it is unlikely to be the catalyst since it would have to pass through one or two exhaust baffles before getting to the end.  It might actually be the baffles disintergrating.  Probably best to have the exhaust inspected at a local garage/exhaust fitting centre since they'll most likely check it for free.