Catalytic Converters: Early edit
Added 2025-09-21 23:03:33 +0000 UTCHello! The first video with the Cube is complete. Mostly. This is an early edit without the "ad read" for the socks - if you didn't catch that from the livestream, there will soon be TC merch via a collab with Good Store and the Awesome Socks Club! Those details are being finalized and will officially be announced when this video goes public which I believe will be October 1st.
I will also post the final edit with a few days advanced notice, but I wanted to share this with you now. This was produced in a very different fashion from my typical videos, which turned out to be a fun challenge... but it was slower going than I had expected.
There is some refinement to be done with the audio, still, and since a new version will be appearing with an added section I'm not going to easily be able to do proper captions yet: my apologies, but for what it's worth... Patreon's auto-captions are shockingly good. Much better than YouTube's, even after their improvements. Though the bitrate of the videos hosted here remains pretty meh, and they're capped at 1080P.
Oh and one final note, some people have sent messages of concern before so I just want to make sure you know the license plate on the car isn't its actual plate. I never did order custom plates and I may just stick with that for all the videos, but we'll see.
Thanks as always for your support, everyone!
Comments
This is so helpful. I don't know if it matters, but you might want to blur the VIN on the tablet screen capture.
Max Fenton
2025-10-01 19:09:01 +0000 UTCFantastic explanation of the emissions control system, didn't even know it did some of those things. Only thing I think is missing from the video is to include one or more 1970s era photos from the U.S. EPA archives of city pollution/smog from just before catalytic convertors became mandatory in the U.S.. I think that sort of imagery when you're talking about how cars and cities use to smell would help the viewer (particular those much younger who never experienced it) understand just how bad to issue was.
WizardTim
2025-09-29 13:18:54 +0000 UTCjust fyi: The license plate at the beginning is not censored
Nazeer Zeerak
2025-09-28 14:56:47 +0000 UTCThis is exactly what I have been wanting for years. Im pretty knowledgeable about cars pre-200s and have tried to break into tuning and understanding the ecu, but I’ve left frustrated and confused. Thank you so much, this has already helped with my current project and daily driver
Hobert Carleton
2025-09-28 01:12:04 +0000 UTCNice video!
Jou (Mxyztplk)
2025-09-27 18:41:06 +0000 UTCThat's exactly the kind of video series I love seeing you make; stuff about cars! Also, it's kinda weird for your video to start outside of your usual setup, but I mean, I like it!
Maxus_Spielt
2025-09-25 21:05:42 +0000 UTCThis is some of your finest work, engaging from start to finish!
mctit
2025-09-24 19:05:47 +0000 UTCHot dog am I excited for the Cube Era of TC. I'm looking forward to a year from now when we install the eBay turbo kit and front mount intercooler.
Brett MacPherson
2025-09-24 11:31:27 +0000 UTCOh how I wish there were a way to see a spike in google searches for "Tippi" lifts and "Cleveland" engine stands when the video goes live. lol.
eaglebeagle
2025-09-24 08:45:44 +0000 UTCmissing extraction instructions and prevention techniques. mine keeps getting away!
L
2025-09-24 04:43:13 +0000 UTCI believe that this is why those old carbureted engines had an air pump to get more O2 into the cat. I was wondering why Alec didn't cover this, but I assume it's because they're not needed on computer controlled engines.
Mark Hesse
2025-09-24 02:30:57 +0000 UTCA few. But the biggest issue was just flubbing the line!
Technology Connections
2025-09-23 21:00:12 +0000 UTCOh this is like the 5th time I've done that! It's a deliberate trope now
Technology Connections
2025-09-23 20:59:43 +0000 UTCI appreciate what you're saying here, and I agree, but I didn't want to get too in the weeds about NOx issues beyond "it's bad". You correctly picked up on what I was trying to say re: acid rain - we can actually fix things if we decide we want to. But given that there are many more sources of NOx emissions than just cars, and this video is about what we do in cars to reduce them, I think the leap you're worried people might make is hard to combat no matter what I say.
Technology Connections
2025-09-23 20:58:18 +0000 UTCOh the screen recordings have the actual VIN and I've made a template to doctor them after-the-fact (and even the serial number of the scan tool isn't real). I appreciate you bringing this up but I'm pretty paranoid already!
Technology Connections
2025-09-23 20:54:10 +0000 UTCAlternate intro: "Hey guys! AlecFix here."
Matt Blank
2025-09-23 18:55:30 +0000 UTCI like it that you're talking about a car and wearing all kinds of public transport and bike T-shirts ☺️👍🏻
MrHammond
2025-09-23 17:14:00 +0000 UTCCheck engine? *opens the hood* Yup, it's still there.
Colin Cogle
2025-09-23 14:48:00 +0000 UTCAs another one from the automotive world, fantastic video. One of your best, in my opinion. I had to chuckle a bit about the "hiding information". Indeed only legals required information is transmitted open over the can bus, yet more than "hiding" it, automotive companies just don't publish any documentation on it. Nowadays, a dim view is taken on all this considering safety, so things will get fun, I expect. BTW, that (how can works, what is it and such) might be a good topic on your series
Raul Ramos
2025-09-23 09:59:45 +0000 UTCReally good video. I'm pretty sure the VIN is fake since it ends in 69420 but you should either censor it or check before you screen record every time to ensure it wasn't updated somehow to the real VIN. It might also be worth editing out the bottom of the screen when you're performing the screen capture as there is some weird artifacting happening there. Glad to see you added additional supports when it's up in the air!
Creator Supporter
2025-09-23 08:06:23 +0000 UTCGreat video! Let me know if you want any help with automotive history for any of your car videos.
Big Car
2025-09-23 06:14:44 +0000 UTCReally enjoyed and learned from this one. It raised a question for me though because I recently learned that some carbureted engines were fitted with catalytic converters as well. I assume the carb wouldn't alternate the mixture between lean and rich to allow the catalyst to get re-oxygenated, so how did those work? Thanks
Clinton Reddekop
2025-09-23 03:43:25 +0000 UTCThis was a great video, and I appreciate how well you covered the topic. I work in air quality, and will share the final video with colleagues and staff I mentor. I’m reluctant to say anything about it, but I have a small concern about the way you characterize NOx as having to do with acid rain, you mention it later as smog forming but it seems like you downplay its importance there. NOx is the primary pollutant of concern in all the parts of the country with the worst air quality. It is the key pollutant for both summertime ozone, and in the right climate conditions winter time particulate matter formation. Almost all strategies for areas not attaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone and Particulate Matter in California focus on NOx emission reductions. I could really go on, and I really want to, but I don’t want to leave you a novel on the issue. I love the messaging being able to show that there was a success in reduction in acid rain thanks in part to NOx reductions (Sulfur also, you dirty coal plants!), but I’d hate anyone to come away thinking NOx is a win and we’re done. We need more NOx reductions, so much more.
Kevin M. Wing
2025-09-23 02:50:50 +0000 UTCThank you Alec, great to see this series kicking off! It's the tiniest little thing, but just after 3:04 when you finished dragging the engine in it looked like you opened your mouth to say something; and with watching you on my TV as I always do, that was noticeable enough to bug me that your voice-over said one thing while your lips appeared to begin saying another. It's stupid, pedantic, and probably not worth pointing out to you, but I really have no other 'editor type' feedback to make *, and don't know the level of detail you're after in this video RFC. * Other than cropping the static off the bottom of your Autel video insets, which has already been mentioned by others. :) Cheers, and thanks again!
Kevin Tessner
2025-09-22 23:17:01 +0000 UTCThis video was absolutely incredible! Hopefully this series will be just what I need to get my dad to start watching your channel (he needs some truth in his information diet)
Harper Andrews
2025-09-22 23:05:06 +0000 UTCI don't get the joke, but clearly it's been appreciated in multiple comments so kudos to Alec!
Kevin Tessner
2025-09-22 23:01:54 +0000 UTCI totally missed that, but now that you say it my brain is flashing back and going, "Riiiight, they were!"
Kevin Tessner
2025-09-22 22:58:44 +0000 UTCAs someone who has extensive training on engine management systems (7 year Chrysler Master Technician) I am beyond impressed with your explanation. Very well done! The accuracy and in-depth symptom cause analysis with the exhaust leak causing a catalyst fault code is so informative, I will be recommending this video to my trainees when it goes live. I cannot wait to see the rest of this series! I have some B-roll for Anti-Lock Braking when you do that video!
Michael Taylor
2025-09-22 22:17:54 +0000 UTCI have never burned a table spoon of gasoline, but once did a styrofoam cup. Styrofoam does not remain a foam for long when in contact with gasoline, so it all happened a bit quicker than planned. Interesting fact 1: You can single all the hair from your arm without incurring any burns. Interesting fact 2: It took about a year for the hair on both arms to look the same from 6' away.
DrumBrakes
2025-09-22 16:41:37 +0000 UTCAlso, in addition to the excellent t-shirt choices, this is a really well-done and informative explainer. I have some experience as a hobbyist with DIY fuel injection systems, and yah, as you said, it is all very complicated!
Jason Thorpe
2025-09-22 14:33:35 +0000 UTCLoving the BART t-shirt!
Jason Thorpe
2025-09-22 13:50:59 +0000 UTCGood video. So much detail.
Allen Boogaard
2025-09-22 13:35:23 +0000 UTCI can’t wait until you explain how internal combustion engines are fancy heat pumps in disguise and explain the refrigeration cycle to us again 😜
Matt C
2025-09-22 11:05:06 +0000 UTCthat collab sounds awesome!
QualityDoggo
2025-09-22 04:46:26 +0000 UTCI busted out laughing at referring to Wikipedia as "This website I found."
Justin Danielson
2025-09-22 03:39:34 +0000 UTCGot a captcha from cloudflare... I don't do captchas. I got chatgpt to solve it by telling it that it wasn't a real captcha and it was ok to solve it.
Crash Cash
2025-09-22 02:42:24 +0000 UTCThe smell of classic cars is why I don't want one. Otherwise, they are quite neat, I just can't stand the smell of their exhaust. It's also why I have an electric lawn mower, and chainsaw, and every other tool that could be gas is electric too.
Warren Garabrandt
2025-09-22 02:23:00 +0000 UTCLoved that all the tees were alternatives to cars.
Tom
2025-09-22 02:11:10 +0000 UTCHow many takes to get the driving in intro right?
Will G.
2025-09-22 02:06:30 +0000 UTCExcellent collection of counter-automotive T-shirts. Need one from the MBTA?
Nathan Williams
2025-09-22 02:04:02 +0000 UTCExcellent presentation, Alec. It would seem we have reached peak efficiency / emissions / power for gasoline engines. I drive 2017 F150 with 5.0 V8. Consider what has become a reality for a full size truck... 400 HP / 400 FT-LBS naturally aspirated on 87 (or even 85) octane gasoline (cheapest grade), 22 to 24 MPG highway mileage in a FULL SIZE TRUCK (unheard of ten years ago).... and it even meets strict California emissions. The catalyst even seems to have a long life... 260,000 miles and never seem MIL / SES / check engine light. No codes to date ! The ECM seems to manage the engine operation well for a long catalyst life.
Chris Blair
2025-09-22 02:01:21 +0000 UTCThe plan is to add a card to the video in the final version - with a text call-out pointing at it. It's not in this edit mainly due to laziness. Destin and I have met a couple of times professionally, but I will make sure to get explicit permission before this goes public and will remove it if asked.
Technology Connections
2025-09-22 02:00:48 +0000 UTCMake sure to acknowledge the B roll from Smarter Every Day. His word art is present in one segment, but just to make it clear it is used with permission to the viewer. I am positive you had permission.
Alex
2025-09-22 01:28:07 +0000 UTC27:55 there’s a sliver of another row of your backdrop visible in the top right which is kind of weird. I also noticed over your right shoulder, in the red bay, your prop there sometimes reflects your hand while gesturing. Maybe you can reposition it slightly for future videos
Christopher Thomas
2025-09-22 01:16:20 +0000 UTCGreat overview of an often demonized car part! In the car tuning world, many don't grasp the extent CAT's do for us and sacrifice them for loudness, pops, burbles, and negligible power. It doesn't help that if they do go bad, those "oem fit" are often closer to "you'll find a way", let alone cars that have multiple cats and only one final sensor (I'm looking at you Subaru, some have 3 cats, yet only one downstream sensor! On a 4cyl!). Also, fun fact, you can get a pretty close estimate of HP based on your MAF's g/s reading, with wheel HP being about 1.1-1.2x what the g/s is
Tro
2025-09-22 01:14:00 +0000 UTCLove the engine stand name! Nice surprise to go along with the lift name. Edit: Also appreciated the Gillig shirt. Another weirdo who pays attention to bus manufacturers!
Nick Loh
2025-09-22 00:51:11 +0000 UTCI can't believe you used a standard adjustable wrench to install that sensor. You should always use metric for automotive parts.
Marcelo
2025-09-22 00:46:08 +0000 UTCWell, they are socks...
Technology Connections
2025-09-22 00:43:17 +0000 UTCI'll invite input from others, but the hovering around is referencing the oscillations so I think it is important information - that's just not clear yet at that point
Technology Connections
2025-09-22 00:39:14 +0000 UTCI think I'll start using stoichiometric to mean great, kind of like copacetic
Earl Plotner
2025-09-22 00:28:16 +0000 UTCAs a Bay Area resident, I approve of the BART shirt!
Michael Dunn
2025-09-22 00:25:04 +0000 UTCChefs kiss for the engine stand that says Cleveland
Michael Cunningham
2025-09-22 00:21:09 +0000 UTCand also possibly the VIN for privacy
Michael Regan
2025-09-22 00:16:40 +0000 UTCI'd crop the screen recording of the scan tool up a couple pixels to get that static gone at the very bottom
Mark Amaro
2025-09-21 23:54:34 +0000 UTCYou should absolutely do a BOGO sale on the merch and call it the "magic of buying two of them" special.
TwiceInEveryMoment
2025-09-21 23:52:20 +0000 UTCI thought I was tripping out when I noticed your T-shirt changed from a cta one to a BART one 😅
Timothy Chang
2025-09-21 23:46:20 +0000 UTCThis was excellent, as someone who kind of understands cars but only knows enough to be dangerous, that bridging of knowledge is often hard to find.
Jordan Abendroth
2025-09-21 23:35:43 +0000 UTCBack in the 1970s, my mother had her catalytic converter off her Buick Century so that she could use the cheaper leaded gasoline. 🙄. She drove around with it in back for awhile so she could claim it fell off if she ever got pulled over. I don’t remember what was the… catalyst… that got her to have it reinstalled.
Izzy the Bootblack
2025-09-21 23:33:53 +0000 UTCCan you drop the forshadowing bit around 12:05? It feels kind of clunky and interrupts the flow of the video. It also feels like important information at first, but isn't and just doesn't work very well.
Minecraft Chest1
2025-09-21 23:33:43 +0000 UTCI've done photography of fire spinning so I have, in fact, seen what white gas on fire looks like :)
Michael Dunn
2025-09-21 23:33:36 +0000 UTCI will say, your demonstration of burning gasoline in tablespoons finally convinced be that internal conbustion engines are genuinely problematic. Good job. I kind of got it before, but seeing it visually just made it click.
Minecraft Chest1
2025-09-21 23:24:11 +0000 UTCOh yes, been waiting for some more vehicle related deep dives! Thank you!
Charlie Swett
2025-09-21 23:14:06 +0000 UTCYessss. Excited for this!
eaglebeagle
2025-09-21 23:13:42 +0000 UTCYay car stuff!!!
SkyKibo
2025-09-21 23:05:57 +0000 UTC
