How much platinum is in a Ford catalytic converter?
The exact amount of platinum in a Ford catalytic converter varies by model and year; there is no single published figure. In modern Ford vehicles, platinum is present as part of the platinum-group metal (PGM) mix that includes palladium and rhodium, but its share is typically smaller than the other two metals. Across typical passenger-car converters, the total PGM load is a few grams, with platinum often making up only a fraction of that total.
What goes into a catalytic converter
A catalytic converter uses a ceramic substrate coated with a washcoat that contains platinum-group metals. These metals catalyze chemical reactions that reduce hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) while converting nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless nitrogen and oxygen. The exact mix and loading of Pt, Pd, and Rh depend on engine design, emissions standards, and supplier formulations.
Below is a concise breakdown of the three platinum-group metals commonly used in automotive catalysts and their roles in Ford converters.
- Platinum (Pt): Supports oxidation and hydrocarbon reduction, but in many modern Ford catalysts its share is smaller relative to palladium and rhodium. In some designs Pt may be present in only small amounts or, in rare cases, not used at all.
- Palladium (Pd): Often the dominant metal in many contemporary gasoline catalysts, driving oxidation and overall catalytic activity. Pd tends to be the largest portion of the metal load in Ford systems.
- Rhodium (Rh): Highly active for NOx reduction and essential for three-way catalysts, typically present in smaller quantities but crucial for meeting NOx limits. Rhodium is usually less abundant than palladium in modern Ford catalysts.
In summary, Pt is part of the catalytic-metal mix but is not necessarily the majority in many Ford designs; the exact proportions depend on the specific converter and model year.
Ford-specific trends
Ford’s gasoline-powered vehicles have generally moved toward palladium- and rhodium-heavy catalysts in recent years, with platinum playing a smaller or more variable role. The exact platinum content varies widely across the Ford lineup because Ford uses multiple catalyst formulations from different suppliers designed for different engines and regulatory targets.
Typical platinum content in Ford converters
Because Ford uses a range of catalyst formulations, the platinum content can differ from one vehicle to another. Across a representative set of passenger-car converters, a practical, yet approximate, picture is:
- Platinum (Pt): roughly 0 to about 1 gram per converter, often closer to a few tenths of a gram in many designs.
- Palladium (Pd): typically around 1 to 4 grams per converter, frequently the largest share of the metal load.
- Rhodium (Rh): commonly about 0.2 to 0.8 grams per converter.
These figures are approximate and vary by model-year, engine type, and catalyst formulation. The total precious-metal load per converter is usually a few grams (roughly 2 to 6 grams, and sometimes a bit more), with Pt representing only a fraction of that total in many modern Ford designs.
What affects platinum content
Several factors determine the exact platinum content in a Ford catalytic converter. The key variables include regulatory requirements, engine design, and supplier choices.
- Engine type and fuel system (gasoline, hybrid, or performance variants) alter NOx and HC processing needs.
- Emissions standards and model year drive changes in the preferred PGM mix (Pt, Pd, Rh) to meet requirements at lower cost.
- Catalyst design (DOC vs. TWC vs. multi-stage systems) and substrate formulation affect metal loading.
- Supplier formulations and manufacturing capabilities vary, leading to different Pt shares among converters intended for similar cars.
- Metal prices and recycling considerations influence how much Pt a manufacturer chooses to load into a converter.
- Durability and thermal performance targets can shift metal distribution to optimize catalyst life under real-world driving.
In short, the platinum content is a moving target shaped by engineering, regulation, and market forces. There is no single figure that applies to all Ford converters.
Summary
Key takeaways about platinum in Ford catalytic converters:
- There is no universal, published amount of platinum for all Ford converters; it varies by model, year, and design.
- Modern Ford catalysts typically rely more on palladium and rhodium, with platinum playing a smaller or variable role.
- The total load of precious metals in a converter is usually a few grams, with platinum constituting only a fraction of that total in many configurations.
- Exact metal loads are proprietary and not publicly specified by Ford, with estimates often derived from industry recycling data and general industry ranges.
For anyone needing precise numbers for a specific Ford model, the best sources are the vehicle’s service documentation, emissions-control specification sheets from the supplier, or independent metallurgical analyses from reputable recycling or research organizations.
How much is 1 oz of platinum worth?
Platinum Spot Price
| Platinum Spot Prices | Platinum Price | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum Price Per Ounce | $1,530.40 | +$5.15 |
| Platinum Price Per Gram | $49.20 | +$0.17 |
| Platinum Price Per Kilo | $49,203.50 | +$165.58 |
| Live Metal Spot Prices (24 Hours) Last Updated: 11/24/2025 at 01:47 EST |
How much is platinum in catalytic converters worth?
The platinum price in a catalytic converter is not a fixed amount but depends on the platinum's market price, the converter's size, and its metal content. A converter typically contains about 3–7 grams of platinum, which is worth roughly $96–$224 at a current spot price of about $996 per ounce. This value is a key factor in the overall price of a used converter, which can range from $50 to over $250, depending on the specific metals inside.
Factors influencing the price
- Market price: The price of platinum fluctuates constantly based on global supply and demand, affecting the value of the metal in a converter.
- Converter specifics: The amount of platinum (and other precious metals like palladium and rhodium) can vary significantly between converters, especially depending on the vehicle's make and model.
- Refining deductions: The initial price of the metal is the market spot price. However, the final amount you receive will be lower due to costs associated with refining and processing the metal from the converter.
- Condition: The overall value of a converter is determined by the concentration of platinum and other precious metals, not just the platinum alone.
How to get the best value
- Sell the whole converter: Do not attempt to remove the platinum yourself, as you will likely lose money. Sell the entire unit to a scrap yard for the best return.
- Get a quote: Get quotes from multiple scrap yards to find the best price.
- Know the market: Stay informed about current market prices for platinum and other precious metals to understand the converter's potential value.
How much platinum is in a F250 catalytic converter?
A standard catalytic converter contains about 3 – 7 grams (0.106 – 0.247 ounces) of platinum.
How much is a Ford catalytic converter worth?
Torpedo catalytic converters are among the more valuable types we buy, with pricing currently ranging from $110 to $1,141 each, depending on size, condition, and serial number. These converters are most commonly found on Ford Eco-Vans and other Ford vehicles with heavy-duty exhaust systems.
