Do I need to change the exhaust manifold when changing the Catalytic converter? Your quote is 500 cheaper without it. Do I really
Hi, i got a quote from you guys to replace my Catalytic converter. But the quote includes the exhaust manifold which is 500 bucks. I wanted to know if it is absolutely necessary to change this as well. I just want to pass the emissions test. For a 2003 car, it's too much an investment.
My car has 232481 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello, thank you for writing in. Typically the catalytic converter does not require that you replace the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold refers to the manifold of tubes that connect from each piston, and bring the exhaust together to the main exhaust pipe. The catalytic converter is mounted on the main exhaust pipe further down. If there is a leak at the exhaust manifold gasket, or the manifold is cracked, then it may need to be replaced. With that being said, it may also be part of the reason you are getting bad readings at the oxygen sensors. Our technicians can replace just the catalytic converter, but it may not solve the emissions testing issue if the manifold is leaking. Contact customer service to get a better breakdown and explanation of the estimate.
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Typically the catalytic converter does not require that you replace the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold refers to the manifold of tubes that connect from each piston, and bring the exhaust together to the main exhaust pipe. The catalytic converter is mounted on the main exhaust pipe further down.
Volkswagen Passat Catalytic Converter
A high-performance catalytic converter for Volkswagen Passat ensures that you get the most out of the gas money you spend. It prevents the exhaust from being trapped in front of the catalyst, so that your engine ¿breathes.
In the case of the catalytic converter, if you buy a cheap one, it`s not going to convert the exhaust gases as much. A cheap catalytic converter may work for a while. In our experience, we have found that they`re good for about a year to maybe two years.
When the converter first starts showing signs of failure, it will not immediately affect the engine. Left unchecked, however, it will eventually degrade and collapse, plugging the exhaust, which will choke vehicle performance and limit the life of the motor.
The catalytic converter, or cat for short, is responsible for removing harmful emissions from the exhaust. If the two O2 sensors collectively sense that the oxygen levels don`t change significantly after running through the cat, it`s a sign of a bad catalytic converter.
The O2 sensor senses oxygen levels. The catalytic converter catalyses hydrocarbons to CO2, nitrates and water. The two items have no relationship. You can remove either without them affecting each other.
Code P0420 indicates that the catalytic converter is not functioning efficiently, therefore increasing the output of harmful pollutants by the vehicle.
The most common cause of a P0420 code is a faulty catalytic converter.
As the name implies, universal catalytic converters can be installed in almost any vehicle, as long as the diameters of the inlet and outlet tubes are the same on the converter and the exhaust system, and it is the correct converter for the particular vehicle and the state it will be registered in.
OEM Catalytic Converters are designed to last the entire lifetime of your car if handled adequately. Aftermarket Catalytic Converters have no responsibility to survive that long, so they are made using cheaper materials.
Catalytic converters change harmful emissions into harmless gas, and they need to be replaced only if they become clogged or otherwise damaged and can`t function properly. They`re expensive to replace, so they aren`t considered a regular maintenance item.
Can you drive without a catalytic converter? Yes, you could temporarily drive without a catalytic converter, and it won`t damage a modern car or engine. But in the long run, it`ll emit harmful gas, sacrifice your car`s engine performance and fuel economy, and possibly get you in trouble with the law.
Driving with A Failed Catalytic Converter
If you`re noticing slow powertrain performance, reduced acceleration, a smell of rotten eggs or sulfur from the exhaust, dark exhaust smoke, or extreme heat from under the vehicle, these are symptoms of a clogged Catalytic Converter, and it should be replaced quickly.
The sensor should be located 6-8 inches after the collector, with 18-24 inches of exhaust pipe after it. As Kise explains, that`s the ideal location for the sensor to monitor the unburned oxygen in the exhaust while also preventing ambient oxygen creeping up the exhaust pipe and throwing off the readings.
Since catalytic converters have limited oxygen storage capacity, the rear O2 sensor will detect the excessive oxygen and generate a converter efficiency code. Leaks in the exhaust system can affect oxygen storage in the converter and lead to improper O2 sensor readings, affecting the air/fuel ratio (AFR) balance.
While removing the catalytic converter will not harm the engine, you can expect a reduction in engine power as well as a reduction in fuel economy.
The catalytic converter converts harmful byproducts of internal combustion to less-harmful compounds. If there`s an exhaust leak letting gasses out of the system before it reaches the converter, if the converter becomes damaged or if it`s missing altogether, the check engine light will activate in your dashboard.
A catalytic converter uses precious metal catalysts, like platinum, rhodium, and palladium — members of the Platinum Group Metal (PGM). Out of the three, rhodium is the most expensive today.
Generally, a used catalytic converter can be worth $50 to $250 or more. However, some converters can be much more valuable because of the high concentration of precious metals they contain, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
A P0420 code is set when the upstream sensor and the downstream oxygen sensor sense the catalytic converter is not doing its job. Basically, the amount of oxygen going into the converter is not being burned, and it detects it through the downstream sensor.
Repair Urgency: Get this code fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your emission system and possible engine damage. Diagnosis: The most common cause of P0420 is a bad catalytic converter, but it can be caused by anything from a faulty oxygen sensor to a rich or lean running condition, or misfires.
Converters are typically found beneath the vehicle as part of the exhaust system. Most catalytic converters do not have serial numbers, making it difficult for law enforcement to prove a catalytic converter is stolen.
OBD2 Diagnostic Trouble Code P0420 means that the sensor in the catalytic converter located in bank 1 has detected the catalytic converter`s efficiency below the threshold. A catalytic converter`s job is to burn up the remaining raw fuel after the combustion process and to eliminate or reduce harmful emissions.
The wrong converter will cause your check engine light to come on and will cause you to not pass emissions. It can also cause some performance and efficiency issues over time. There are specific converters built for all vehicles and that is what needs to be used, especially in California.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Do I need to change the exhaust manifold when changing the Catalytic converter? Your quote is 500 cheaper without it. Do I really
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Typically the catalytic converter does not require that you replace the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold refers to the manifold of tubes that connect from each piston, and bring the exhaust together to the main exhaust pipe. The catalytic converter is mounted on the main exhaust pipe further down. If there is a leak at the exhaust manifold gasket, or the manifold is cracked, then it may need to be replaced. With that being said, it may also be part of the reason you are getting bad readings at the oxygen sensors. Our technicians can replace just the catalytic converter, but it may not solve the emissions testing issue if the manifold is leaking. Contact customer service to get a better breakdown and explanation of the estimate.
Exhaust leak from engine gasket right after catalytic converter keeps blowing out. What needs changing O2 sensor or converter ? 2000 Chevrolet S10
ANSWER : Hello – I suspect that either the flange joint after the converter has a defect that continues to leak, despite new gaskets, or the muffler is stopped up, increasing exhaust pressure on that joint. I recommend an exhaust system inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Changed catalytic converter, no lights on dashboard, but codes for catalytic converter & O2 sensor still remain
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. I am not sure why you changed your catalytic converter. Assuming you had a P0420 code, replacing the catalytic converter should of resolved that code. The codes originally stored need to be cleared. The fact your check engine light remains off tells me, you may have fixed the problem. Try disconnecting the negative battery terminal for at least 2 minutes, reconnect. Start and drive the vehicle for 10-15 miles. Re-check for codes. If a code returns on the first drive cycle (pending code), a problem still exists. The check engine light should come back on (the next drive cycle) if, the fault is recognized by the computer. An exhaust leak before the oxygen sensor will cause O2 sensor and catalytic converter codes. If you are having trouble identifying the fault, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
Exhaust leak coming from the rear manifold exhaust gasket and I was wondering how do you replace the rear manifold exhaust? 2006 Chrysler Town & Country
ANSWER : Hello – most likely, this is an exhaust leak between the exhaust manifold, and the cross-over pipe. Removing the cross-over pipe will be the required process to replace the leaking gasket if this is the source. i recommend a engine noise inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, confirm this diagnosis, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
I need to replace my catalytic converter and I wanted to see what are the main parts I will need to buy that comes with it?
ANSWER : The parts required to change out a catalytic convertor will really depend on what type of converter is going to be used. There are factory type replacements that will use a flange and just get bolted into place, that will require a new flange gasket and pipe clamp. Or there are aftermarket replacements that will require the pipe to be cut, and either welded, or clamped into place. Other than that, I would suggest that this is the perfect time to replace the oxygen sensor. Keep in mind, when removing the flange from the back of the engine, it is fairly common for the bolts and/or studs to break, due to all of the heat cycles that are associated with the exhaust/converter. As far as the rough starting issue, I would check the timing chain and tensioners. It sounds like there may be a possible issue with chain tensioner, and this can cause all kinds of problems, especially throwing off the timing and causing rough starting and running issues. If any of this sounds like something you could use a hand in diagnosing and/or repairing, contact a certified mechanic, like the mobile mechanics at YourMechanic.com.
I have a 89 mustang 347ci it’s converted to a carb it’s currently a 5speed what do I need to convert to an automatic? Do I need to
ANSWER : The obvious things you will need: Check if the transmission mounts are different. Verify bell housing bolt pattern to fit the engine. Replace the pedal assembly with one from an automatic. Shifter and linkage. Transmission cooler and lines. You can accomplish that by either swapping in the radiator from an automatic vehicle, or installing a larger transmission cooler in front of the radiator or a.c condenser if equipped. As for the transmission itself. If you are using a 3 speed like a C-6 transmission, then it should work fine with the vacuum signals. If you are looking to use a 4 speed automatic, then you need to do some research. Look for shops or companies that do performance building and modifications for transmissions. They may be able to make the 4 speed auto work without electronics. If not, there should be some stand-alone control unit options. Try some of the vehicle specific internet forums as well. Chances are there are others who have done what you are looking to do and can provide a wealth of information.
Hi Mr. Nicholas: Engine light of my Accord Lx 2010 comes on. I want to be sure the problem is with the catalytic converter or O2 s
ANSWER : Hi there. In short, yes – it is highly probable that the check engine light is not 100% caused by the catalytic converter. Most OBD-II trouble codes related to this system are actually caused by O2 sensor failure, electrical harness failure to O2 and the catalytic converter or other emissions systems. On your Honda, there is one catalytic converter, that is comprised of a few individual sections. When it it replaced however, it is replaced as a single unit. In most cases, when a Honda dealership tells you that the catalytic converter is the source, 80% of the time they are correct. I would recommend reading this article and asking yourself if you are experiencing more than 50% of these are occurring.
New exhaust gasket and manifold, still have exhaust leak.
ANSWER : The trouble with small exhaust leaks is that they always turn into large exhaust leaks. The hot gas leaking past the gasket will eventually burn up the gasket making the leak worse. If not corrected, it will also burn the surface of the exhaust manifold. It rarely goes so far as to burn the cylinder head, but that can happen in extreme cases. To make matters even more complicated. having an exhaust leak also allows air to enter the exhaust stream and messes with the oxygen sensor reading. Mixture too lean trouble codes will follow as the system shifts rich to try to correct. So, if you want to keep this truck, you need to get this fixed. I’m not sure I buy the line about the head being warped enough to prevent the manifold from fitting, maybe you should get a second opinion on this. You can have this done by contacting Your Mechanic. They will send a technician to your home or office to check out your exhaust leak and let you know what can be done about it.
