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Small, gasoline fueled spark ignition engines are generally designed to operate at air to fuel ratios richer than stoichiometric. Consequently, they tend to emit high levels of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in their exhaust. This paper deals with an investigation of reducing emissions of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons by utilizing a small, metal matrix catalyst in conjunction with a thermal reactor. The experimental work was carried out on a small, single cylinder, air cooled, four stroke, spark ignition engine. The work was divided into two phases: Phase I was aimed at determining the extent to which oxidation of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons could be achieved using a two-way catalyst in conjunction with a thermal reactor. The work was later expanded to include a three-way catalyst in lieu of a two-way catalyst. In this phase controlled amounts of air from laboratory supply was used to achieve emission control.