AR>The catalitic converter was/is needed for use with unleaded gasoline.
AR>In fact, that was the main reason the nozzles of the gas pumps were 
changed,
AR>that leaded gasoline wouldn't be accidently pumped into a car that needed 
un
AR>ed, thereby ruining the converter.
AR>The unleaded nozzle was much cmaller than the leaded one.
The catalitic converter is NOT "NEEDED" for the lead free gas
The Lead free gas is needed for the CONVERTER
The Converter is intended to burn off hydrocarbons which did not
properly burn off in the car's engine.  I've seen cars where the
converter glows a nice cherry red. I've heard of cars setting leaves and
such on fire due to the heat of the converter.
In both of these cases the car was running very rich and in serious need
of attention as there should not be that much in unburned hydrocarbons
for the converter to convert
What may make a serious difference is the Emission control computers on
many cars.  As they farther and farther refine the software (And yes,
the hardware too to some extent) they are going to get to the point
where there are no unburned hydrocarbons in the exaust.  When (IF) that
happens the Catalitic converters will no longer be needed
But the reason for unleaded gas is that lead clogs the converters
 * SLMR 2.1a * Sex on TV is OK -- If you don't fall off.
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