FIELD: mechanical engineering; engines. SUBSTANCE: control device receives many measured values along measuring lines, processes these values, converts them into control data and transmits control data to engine through input lines. Temperature of one catalytic converter connected to engine is measured directly, and obtained data are transmitted to engine control device along at least one data transmission line and are processed together with other measurands which provides operation of engine at optimum operating conditions as to fuel consumption and/or content of harmful impurities in exhaust gases. If actual temperature value is known, there is no necessity to introduce changes into optimum operating range to protect catalytic converter from damage. Control of engine can be optimized at starting from cold depending on temperature of catalytic converter. Temperature should be measured at least by one temperature probe integrated into catalytic converter or directly on catalytic converter surface. Probe should measure temperature integrally through one equivalent step of catalytic converter. EFFECT: enhanced reliability of engine control. 11 cl, 5 dwg
