Catalytic converter

[NWMO]

Hey all,

I want to clean up an exhaust leak where the engine side exhaust pipe ties into the c/c. Things are horribly rusted and someone has tried to weld it together in the past. I’ve got both parts free and am sure I can weld the connection fine, however, knowing I’ve always had a leak there, I didn’t want to fix it, to find my c/c is plugged or too restrictive. I can see the small square holes open on both ends, but didn’t know if there was a flow test or way to “clean” the converter some??

I see new c/c for $100 or so at RA, but don’t want to spend the $$ if not needed. Living in the Midwest, there is no emission testing, so punching a hole in the current c/c is an option, but not my first choice. The new engine is a 4a with the 272 regrind cam, though I doubt that changes anything. All comments welcome.

Chris

[Jarf]

If the square holes all appear good, then shine a strong flashlight/trouble light in from one end, the other end should show diffused light, like you can see it but it isn't clear, then you should be good to go.

OEM cat's are better built, have more precious metals and will last longer than any A/M unit available for purchase.
For what its worth, Cat's are designed to last the life of the car.

[Petros]

With the cat out of the car, you can soak the CC in soapy water over night, rinse with clean water, and blow it out. if air freely blows throgh it, it should be good. you may even be able to see light through the core. They do not really wear out, they either get loaded up with contaminates (carbon or unburnt fuel residue, and hence the soapy water wash), or the core structure breaks down and blocks the free flow of air through it. if both ends appear good, likely it is okay.

if you can not get it to free flow through it, next best option is to bore a hole through the core. That is the common "shade tree" fix.

[Petros]

to add to Jarf's observations, cheap after market cats are a wast of money. bought one for my daughter's civic mail order, local shop installed it (she lives in a big city, so has to have bi-anual testing), and it fell apart in less than a year. internal parts were rattling around, core broke down and was backing up the exhaust. Had to replace it with a better quality one.

[NWMO]

Thanks guys,

I may try the soapy water or just hook it up and see how things go. It won’t be to bad to deal with if I feel there is an issue and in MO punching a hole is an option, just not environmentally friendly. Hopefully all goes well when I get going.

Chris

[nerdsrule]

Bringing this back to life...

Anyone have luck with Walker cats or others on rock auto? We are looking at *potentially* a full exhaust rebuild. Chance the cat is good. Its coming out anyways, so it can be tested, but as a contingency just wondering what others have done.

Cheers and thanks,
-Will

[irowiki]

I have a tercel cat converter I would sell to you cheap (if I can find it)

[slimdude85]

I just punched mine out with a small sledge and a steel rod. It was messy, but a lot cheaper than a new one. And since I’m not even near the St. Louis metro, I don’t have to worry about passing smog (although, I think our cars are too old for the laws to apply). If you go this route, be sure to get a filtering mask. You sure as heck don’t want to inhale the dust from heavy metals and soot. Nasty, toxic stuff.

[splatterdog]

I just punched mine out with a small sledge and a steel rod. It was messy, but a lot cheaper than a new one. And since I’m not even near the St. Louis metro, I don’t have to worry about passing smog (although, I think our cars are too old for the laws to apply). If you go this route, be sure to get a filtering mask. You sure as heck don’t want to inhale the dust from heavy metals and soot. Nasty, toxic stuff.

I hope you saved the guts, Asian cats are worth at least $50-100, even in pieces. The part store cats are cheap due to much less platinum which is why they are a bad choice for 96 and up cars. No code P0420 to worry about on T4's..

[rer233]

Or any other codes- just one more reason why we love 'em...

[The Professor]

If you go this route, be sure to get a filtering mask. You sure as heck don’t want to inhale the dust from heavy metals and soot. Nasty, toxic stuff.

Or, you know, you could just replace the cat and not dump all that crap into the atmosphere and recoup most of the cost by selling your used cat to a recycler. I've made back over $200 by selling my old cats as they're replaced. Plus my eyes don't burn from uncatalyzed exhaust fumes.