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 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,335 |
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Valued Member
United States
486 Posts |
Since this forum is related to bullion, can someone tell me what precious metals are most commonly used in a vehicle's catalytic converter, and in what quantities? Thank you, PP
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1231 Posts |
It is platinum. "In general there are three types of automobile catalytic converters in terms of the PGM content. Grade 1 consists of 2200 parts per million (ppm) of platinum (Pt), 200 ppm of palladium (Pd) and 300 ppm of rhodium (Rd). Grade 2 has 1000 ppm Pt, 200 ppm Pd, and 100 ppm Rd; while Grade 3 consists of 875 ppm Pt, 250 ppm Pd, and 30 ppm Rd. On the average a metric ton of each catalytic converter grade contains the following PGM values: Grade 1 - $34,588; Grade 2 - $16,023; and Grade 3 - $13,667. These values are based on March 13, 1998, metals market prices of platinum at $392/oz., palladium at $264/oz. and rhodium at $535/oz." Here is where I got the info from. There is more there if you want to read it http://www.hpcnet.org/sdsmt/SiteID=199458Edited by onejinx
04/04/2008 8:03 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5318 Posts |
I believe that platinum is the metal used as a catalyst--unless they've found a cheaper solution. However, I don't know if that's a simply a plating or would be significant enough to salvage--anyone know?  Oh man...somebody posted the info before I composed my post.  LOL Edited by KurtS
04/04/2008 9:44 pm
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Valued Member
 United States
486 Posts |
Thank you for the link onejinx. -PP
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
3831 Posts |
Depends on the type of catalysts you are talking about. Most automobile catalysts these days are palladium based and diesel vehicles are using platinum - although it's finely plated, perhaps as low as 0.03oz. It used to be a fair bit more in the past where plating technology was not as advanced as today.
Just in case you didn't know, HP ink cartridges do use palladium and gold - why don't people know that?
My partial coin collection http://www.omnicoin.com/collection/gxseriesMy numismatics articles and collection: http://www.gxseries.com/numis/numis_index.htmRegularly updated at least once a month. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2049 Posts |
As far as the catalytic converters, I know I heard something on the news about some being stolen off of vehicles around here because of the platinum content. I dont think it was widespread but a few people were victimized and they are not cheap to replace.
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Forum Dad
 United States
24148 Posts |
quote:
However, I don't know if that's a simply a plating or would be significant enough to salvage--anyone know?
The junk salvagers that do the auto repair circuit have been buying them (or dumpster diving for them if you're dumb enough to throw them out) for as long as they've been around. I used to make a real good "side" chunk of change from those guys. 3-5 Frankies once a month when they stopped in. Cash money. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2443 Posts |
I hear that a lot of crack heads will saw them out of cars and then sell them to the junk yards for the platinum in it.
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Forum Dad
United States
24148 Posts |
Well, when I got out of the full time parts business about 7 years ago, the junk guys where paying up to $20 a pop. It all depended on what kind of car they came out of and how much they rattled when shaken.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2443 Posts |
There's a video on this floating around here on the net somewhere and I think they said that they can get between $75-$125 if I remember correctly.
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New Member
United States
12 Posts |
Bobby131313 if they rattle do you mean that a catalac converter can be broken inside of it and if so does that make your car run worse ?
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Forum Dad
United States
24148 Posts |
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Bobby131313 if they rattle do you mean that a catalac converter can be broken inside of it and if so does that make your car run worse ?
Possibly, the loose material can actually clog the converter. If that happens it a serious fire hazard. I've seen a clogged converter completely 100% cherry red and glowing. Just like a horseshoe coming out of the blast furnace. Even if only partially blocked it will seriously affect performance. Ever hear of a Jake brake? That what makes the big trucks make that God-awful "fart-like" very loud sound. It's a gizmo that intentionally partially blocks the exhaust to slow the truck down. Same thing will happen with your car. Riding around with a partially clogged converter is like riding around with your emergency brake partially on. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1130 Posts |
I drove around without one for 2 1/2 years. :)
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Forum Dad
United States
24148 Posts |
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I drove around without one for 2 1/2 years. :)
If it passes the emission tests, they don't care. |
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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,335 |
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Posted 04/04/2008 7:59 pm
