catalytic converter?
Q. hi there people :) u have a vauxhall vectra ls 16v 1.8 and the catalytic converter has gone, will it ruin the car etc or anything else to that effect, and where could i get one from and is it easy to fit yourself ? appreciate any help at all tyvm :)
Asked by stevejulie2926 - Sun Mar 25 14:12:15 2007 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. As above - no harm in short term - only your emissions will be high - don't get stopped by VOSA - if they find one thing like a faulty cat - they will go all over the car - try a scrapyard for a cat - just make sure it isn't rattly and broken. In all fairness though the prices have come down a lot - so it might be better to get a new one from an exhaust specialist (not from Vauxhall) - not difficult to fit - I did mine about 6 months ago on my Rover and it took about an hour to fit the whole exhaust system
Answered by jamand - Sun Mar 25 14:22:49 2007

Would a new catalytic converter produce more power?
Q. I know that catalytic converters send a message back to the fuel injectors, to get the perfect amount. My catalytic converter is rusted from the inside(it is pretty much toast). But i drive and Audi and a new catalytic converter would cost 380 parts and then labor on top of that. The car sounds bad, but for that price I can deal with the noise. I just want to know if the bad catalytic converter is throwing off the performance of my car... And if you know does it effect gas mileage?
Asked by soccerkid4007 - Sat Mar 15 20:38:18 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. It will affect your performance and gas mileage. Go ahead and invest on a new one.
Answered by domshelton30 - Tue Mar 18 03:24:23 2008

Is it possible for catalytic converter to go out?
Q. I have had the catalytic converter change out twice within 10 month period. The check engine light come on again about two weeks ago. I took it to the mechanic and he mentioned that it was catalytic converter. Is it possible for them to go out that quick. Can somebody help?
Asked by srsarodriguez - Tue Feb 19 14:03:59 2008 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. if you are not using factory catalysts , then they will prematurly wear out , but a major factor in taking out the catalyst prematurly is a rich running condition , and misfires , if a car is misfiring it allows raw fuel to go directly into the hot catalyst and melts the reducing beds inside the catalyst , also if this is a 96 or newer car , then have a technician do a duel scope on the upstream and downstream o2's , a lazy upstream o2 will trigger a false catalyst code , but this is not commen . also if you have any exhaust leaks before the catalytic converter , make sure these are taken care of , unmetered air entering the exhaust system will create lean condition in the catalyst thus raising the internal tempetures and melting the… [cont.]
Answered by smogman - Tue Feb 19 14:56:39 2008

Can having my catalytic converter replaced lead to my car to start stalling?
Q. I recently (last week) had my catalytic converter replaced on my '03 Toyota Matrix and now its stalling when I reach higher speeds. It putters when idling and then when I start to reach around 40 it slows down but doesn't completely die just coasts in a real low speed. When I restart it, it seems ok until I start to go faster again. Could this have happened when the converter was replaced? My car ran fine before I had this work done!
Asked by cdavis2029 - Fri Nov 30 18:23:47 2007 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Something does not adding up.Why you replaced cat?Because cat was bad.Why cat became bad?Because engine has tune up problems and raw fuel was introduced to exhaust system (incl. cat) for long period of time,basically burned up cat.Is that sound logical to you?To me ,that you're still got problems with tune up and on yours way to burn an other cat pretty soon.Check your tune up stuff first,then go and complaint about sloppy cat job.
Answered by polkan47 - Fri Nov 30 18:43:24 2007

Does a catalytic converter affect the performance of a 2000 ford focus?
Q. My car is running sluggish and its as if there is no power in it. Normally my car will get up and go (manual). My check engine light is and has been on for some time. I had a mechanic hook a computer up to my car the the code came out saying my catalytic converter is bad or somthing. And currently i dont have the money to replace mine in my car if it is the case. Is there any temp fixes that will buy me some time?
Asked by slim_897 - Wed Jul 1 15:31:16 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The other potential issue besides what the person above me said... is that a catalytic converter can foul and become plugged. When this happens, the engine cannot breathe due to the extreme backpressure in the exhaust. The only option in this case is to replace the catalytic converter.
Answered by Steve - Wed Jul 1 15:39:37 2009

Catalytic Converter repair and how long should it take?
Q. I need to replace my catalytic converter in my 1996 Ford Contour. I would like to buy one and bring to a friend of mine that is a mechanic. How long should this process take?
Asked by islandgrl37 - Thu Mar 30 10:51:11 2006 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Make sure your friend is good with exhaust systems, not all mechanics specialize in this area. If it is not done right you will be replacing the converter again in 2-6 months. A good muffler man can probably get it done with in a half hour or so
Answered by jbradc69 - Thu Mar 30 11:10:43 2006

How do I know if my catalytic converter needs to be changed?
Q. How do I know if my catalytic converter needs to be changed? And what are the problems with a bad catalytic converter? Thanks for your answer. But does it lose power completly or does it seem like it going to shut off and then jerks a little?
Asked by Cynthia M - Thu Jan 11 16:26:34 2007 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Two basic performance problems can occur with converters. One - it (they) get plugged due to something like overheating. The more plugged the converter is, the sooner you will notice the engine losing power. Yes, it could act just like it is a fuel starvation problem. This can be identified by a back pressure check of the exhaust system or removing the converter. Two - it can stop converting due to damage to the honeycomb within the converter, such as a violent hit to the shell, or if the honeycomb gets coated with some material like motor oil. This can be confirmed by an emission check. Either way, I would recommend maintaining a working catalytic converter. Fresh air and compliance is a good thing. It is a myth that converters (if… [cont.]
Answered by db79300 - Thu Jan 11 17:41:58 2007

What is the best catalytic converter to buy?
Q. What is the best aftermarket catalytic converter to buy that will give you more power and sound?
Asked by dustin - Thu Feb 25 17:12:02 2010 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. go to summitracing.com and order a high flow catalytic converter.
Answered by mister ss - Thu Feb 25 19:04:33 2010

What are the dangers of installing a universal catalytic converter?
Q. My catalytic converter is going out. The OEM converter is 400 dollars, and one of the Magnaflow universal converters is 70. Could using a universal converter hurt my car in any way? What differences could i expect to see? Also, how long can i safely wait before replacing the converter?
Asked by Eskimo - Tue Jan 6 11:14:26 2009 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. There are two types of Megnaflow converters, universal and direct fit. Either way, make sure it is CAF approved. The direct fit units are for those that do not need welding. Most often bolt in units. I think they are worth the few dollars more. But if your converter is welded in (post 96 I believe is the cut off date), the replacement will also have to be welded in, or special connectors used. The replacements will not hurt your car if a quality part is used (like the one you are talking about). But before you spring for the cost of a new cat, try a tune up and some systems cleaner. The problem maybe cheaper to fix then you think.
Answered by Old Man Dirt - Tue Jan 6 11:33:07 2009

How much does a new catalytic converter cost to put in a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 by a mechanic?
Q. How much for just the catalytic converter and how much does the average mecahnic charge for the part and labor of changing a catalytic converter in a 1998 Chevrolet S-10?
Asked by sickfsh - Mon Sep 24 09:11:08 2007 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Cheaper ta go to a muffler shop, than a mechanic...
Answered by ABCDEF U - Mon Sep 24 15:46:15 2007

What are the symptons of a catalytic converter going bad?
Q. What does a vechicle do when the catalytic converter is bad? Does it run, etc?
Asked by srsarodriguez - Wed Mar 26 14:55:50 2008 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Hard starting, won't start at all, rough idling, poor acceleration and gas mileage.
Answered by g_insane - Wed Mar 26 15:04:21 2008

How does a catalytic converter work on a car?
Q. Can anyone explain how a catalytic converter works on a car?, in detail if you can plz
Asked by Ri - Thu Apr 5 11:03:46 2007 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The actual ceramic substrate is coated with an ultra thin gaseous coating of platinum. As the hot exhaust gasses flow through the fine ceramic cells and the harmful oxides of gasoline combustion are converted to nitrogen. The platinum coated substrate is ultra-hot when the engine is running. It's encased in a stainless steel to preserve the converter for the life of the car. Log on to: corning.com there will be pictures of the substrates. They make them for gasoline engines around the world. Across a major highway Upstate NY. a new diesel converter plant is in operation.
Answered by Country Boy - Thu Apr 5 11:22:25 2007

How much would I get for my catalytic converter?
Q. My Honda Civics catalytic converter failed on me the other day, so I had to buy a new one. I am wondering where I should sell it and how much it would be worth.
Asked by Mr Radio Man - Mon Dec 7 11:12:19 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Go to earth911.com for a location to recycle for money, probably no more then $20.
Answered by Stranger in my thoughts - Mon Dec 7 11:30:34 2009

Can I take the catalytic converter off my truck?
Q. I have a 05' Dodge Ram with the 5.7 HEMI, and was wondering if I could take the catalytic converter off, or will it screw up the computer? I've also been wanting to add cool air induction and possibly chipping it. Any info from somebody that has done any of this would be appreciated.
Asked by Reeper79 - Fri Jun 8 23:19:28 2007 - - 13 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Well, you already know it's not legal to do, but what you probably don't know it that it will cause your check engine light to come on. Your truck has o2 sensors before the converter and after it (to monitor the converters performance - an OBD 2 requirement). So removing it, or gutting it, will definitely set a fault code and turn on your check engine light. All in all, it's not a good idea. One more reason NOT to do it is that the 5.7 was specifically designed to run WITH a catalytic converter and the back pressure it creates in the exhaust system. As far as the cold air induction, I've seen several of them on trucks that come into the dealership and there doesn't seem to be any problems there. They add a little horsepower. The "chi [cont.]
Answered by helomechsmitty - Sat Jun 9 01:18:31 2007

How long does it take for a catalytic converter to completely damage an engine?
Q. 2003 Nissan Altima to be exact. I just took my car into the Nissan dealership because something was obviously wrong with the engine and they told me that the catalytic converter had completely destroyed my engine's rings and it's going to cost me $5k+ to get a new engine. I had a complete check-up at 100k miles and it's now at 115k, is that enough time for the catalytic converter to destroy my engine?
Asked by Tyler B - Thu Jul 30 21:45:56 2009 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Yes. If it was plugged up it would overheat the engine and could melt the rings. There's no way it should cost 5k for an engine. Don't go to the dealer. Get a second opinion.
Answered by framboise83 - Thu Jul 30 21:52:01 2009

What does it cost to repalce a Catalytic Converter in a 02 passat?
Q. I have an 02 passat 4 cyl. 1.8l T that did not pass deq beacause the Catalytic Converter is bad. what does that cost to fix and were can i get that done? the deq guy said that my check engine light is burnt out how do i fix this problem and could that have caused my car to fail and show a problem in the catalytic converter?
Asked by noahpap - Wed Dec 20 22:17:04 2006 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. you might just want to change the oxygen sensor (s) in the car...its 80 bucks and alot easier to do opposed to the catalytic converter that everybody always thinks it is. hope this helps.
Answered by andierue - Thu Dec 21 20:09:46 2006

Besides failing a smog- can a bad catalytic converter cause an engine to falter and surge?
Q. I own a 2002 Kia it recently failed a smog- first OBD- then later emmissions. It was brought to a dealer who did some "campiagn work". Once this was done the OBD passed but the emission failed. It also is now running rough and surges when gas is depressed before it first stutters. Someone siad it may be the catalytic converter. Ideas?
Asked by Sad and Confused - Sat Jul 19 15:12:42 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Yes it can. If the cat clogs up, your engine can't exhail so that inturn cause the intake of air to be restricted. The cat has honey-coned passage and if they melt or come apart it stops the exhaust from flowing through it.
Answered by Dan - Sat Jul 19 15:39:42 2008

What are the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter?
Q. Does a bad catalytic converter cause the coolant to get really hot? And the exhaust manifold to get red hot? Do I have to take the car to a shop to get the catalytic converter? Or can I do it myself? I am somewhat mechanically inclined. Thanks.
Asked by Parker - Thu Jul 9 18:13:11 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I would bring it to a good shop and get an estimate. Then if you don't want pay the labor you know you are fixing the right thing from what they told you needs to be fixed.
Answered by Spindlicek - Thu Jul 9 18:42:00 2009

How much to replace a catalytic converter for a 97 Chevy Monte Carlo?
Q. Hi, How much total cost (parts+labor) should I expect to replace a 1997 Chevy Monte Carlo catalytic converter? Also, how much just for the part itself? I will be looking for a muffler shop, because I heard it is cheaper than an all-service-auto-shop (I hope that is true). Thanks!
Asked by 1boredguy - Tue Apr 28 20:17:27 2009 - - 3 Answers - 1 Comments

A. It will probably be anywhere from 300 to 700 dollars. I believe there is an O2 sensor behind the cat on that car. If that is the case, you will not want to go with anything cheap. If you live in a state that has strict emissions laws, taking out the cat all together will be a bad idea. I have seen the cat itself go from 200-600 just for the part. It all depends on where you go and what they use. Good luck!
Answered by Matt K - Tue Apr 28 22:47:16 2009

Where can I find a catalytic converter that is legal in California?
Q. Apparently I need a front catalytic converter that is legal in California for my 2001 Mazda Protege 2.0L I live in New York which is strange. NONE of my auto parts stores near me had any.
Asked by toga_man1 - Fri Nov 13 23:28:08 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Your local auto parts stores and dealerships would have them. States have the option of following the federal laws or Cali laws for emissions. The Cali ones require less pollution, cost more, and almost always make a few less horsepower. New York and about 10 other states follow the Cali ones.
Answered by emiller1998 - Fri Nov 13 23:37:10 2009