How long it will take to destroy KAT with leaded-petrol?

**Margus** · #1 17 Apr 2005

Have a catalythic converter (KAT) equipped R1100GS. How long it will take to destroy KAT with leaded-petrol? Planning to travel in countries where are mostly leaded petrol. Will circa 5000 kilometres do OK with leaded? Or should i search for skiping the KAT with new aftermarket exhaust?

Cheers, Margus

[This message has been edited by Margus (edited 17 April 2005).]

**LuckyStriker** · #2 18 Apr 2005

I would also like to know the answer to this question.
There are conflicting reports and tons of disinformation out there!

Perhaps another question:
Will the CAT simply die and allow pollutants to pass or can it suffer melt-down and block up the exhaust?

**mikaelb** · #3 30 Jun 2005

I have asked Car Engine experts about this. They say that if you use a tankful leaded cleaning may go from 95% to 60% or worse.Depends on amountof lead... 12 times more shit out the tail pipe... After a long time on unleaded it may recover to maybe 85 or 90%. Hence there is permanent damage done. LAMBDA sensor may die also because the lead shorts it out. Then the bike will go like sh---t.Depends on how the bike handles a dead sensor.Depends on the makes policy.Probably they want to force you to fix that problem by making the bike go BAD. That sensor will have to be replaced.Aftermarket standard is 50$.
Original a arm and a leg.

Quote:

Originally posted by Margus:
Have a catalythic converter (KAT) equipped R1100GS. How long it will take to destroy KAT with leaded-petrol? Planning to travel in countries where are mostly leaded petrol. Will circa 5000 kilometres do OK with leaded? Or should i search for skiping the KAT with new aftermarket exhaust?

Cheers, Margus

[This message has been edited by Margus (edited 17 April 2005).]

**Margus** · #4 25 Jul 2005

Found a solution here:

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7035

Going to remove my poor CAT this week, i'd rather not risk using leaded-fuel on it...

Cheers, Margus