Catalytic Converters

I had my catalytic converter go bad on my '91 Ford 460. I was 200 miles from home (S. Cal) or trusted mechanic. My mechanic told me it would be a good idea to find out why the cat converter went bad before I installed one on the road. Didn't want to burn up another converter. I had a muffler shop knock out all of the guts of the cat converter with a long steel rod and re-install it. Drove it home and had everything checked out, just a bad converter. The motorhome ran so much better I ran it with the cleared out converter for over a year. That is until I needed my next CA smog cert!

What about CAT's on diesel engines? The CAT on mine is inside the muffler. It broke off and created a loud rattling noise. Freightliner wanted $1500 for the replacement but directed me to a custom muffler place. They confirmed the price for one with a CAT but said they could put a regular muffler on for $500 (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). I said yeah okay but what about future emission tests. They said the engine would run cooler, fuel mileage would be better and no affect to the emission test. What the heck let try it. On the next emission test the values were the lowest ever for the rig. They are 1/4 of the maximum allowed. What does that say about CAT's effectiveness to protect the environment? Is there scientific proof that these things actually work or is this just some government foo foo dust?

ScottG wrote:
Ca. isn't the only place that smogs stuff.
Also, as was said before, you need to find out what damaged it. They should outlast the vehicle unless their poisoned.

ScottG,
Not necessarily true. There's different versions of CATs. On our '07 Grand Cherokee Overland with the 5.7 Hemi, the CAT, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, (there's 4 CATS on that car, (2) "Pre-CATS" and, (2) main CATs. When we purchased the car, from a small used car dealership, on the way home, it threw a code. My son, who at the time, worked for North County Jeep GMC KIA, in southern CA, brought home an analyzer. The code: (I forgot the numbers it displayed) but, in the book to corralate with those numbers, it stated, "CAT-PASSENGER SIDE, NON-OPERATIONAL!!!

The car at the time, had 34,600 miles on it. It was just shy of the 36K mile warranty. But, that's only the vehicle warranty anyway. The emission systems which include, anything with the fuel system, smog system, and Catalytic converter(s), was under a federal warranty of 50K. When I talked with the service manager at the Jeep dealership, they said it was not "overly" common but, happens on a fair amount of occasions.

And guess what the price was, are you sitting down? "$1500.00" Yep, that's correct, that much. And, it's another $250.00 to install it. Well, they replaced it, under warranty. So, to the OP, they can go out, and, without warning. In the old days, in the mid 70s, when CATs first started appearing, so did "Unleaded fuel". And, if one screwed up, and put leaded fuel into a vehicle with a CAT, that CAT was damaged beyond any repair, not that you can repair a CAT anyways.

Overly fueled engines can ruin a CAT, even if they're fuel injected. Now, the problem with many of todays CATs, they won't outlast the vehicle they're on because, THEY GET STOLEN!!!
Scott

Ca. isn't the only place that smogs stuff.
Also, as was said before, you need to find out what damaged it. They should outlast the vehicle unless their poisoned.

More To See wrote:
California requires that the cat converter be calif certified. I believe they are stamped CA CARB certified or something like that. And they are the more expensive ones. Perhaps if a smog shop sees a nice new one on there they will be inclined to check for that.

Exactly!
The CATs on many vehicles operated in CA are CA specific. Ours went out in our '89 Ford Class C 27' Ultra. Talk about LOSS OF POWER! It was like someone immediately hooked up the USS Midway to our rear bumper. Full throttle at about 5 mph. I had to search high and low for the specific CAT for that engine which, at that time, was a 460. Now, to the OP, nyny, I think I got ours at Ed Hansons Muffler. It's been suggested already. I know Ed personally and, without a doubt, one of the best exhaust techs there is.

He's got a rep for the highest quality work, this side of the U.S. He get's people, especially with Hot Rods, coming in from all over the state and, even out of state. He walks you though what's happening, and what's the best course of action, for your particular vehicle. That motorhome of ours, sounded like one of the cars in the movie "Bullit" when he was done with it. But, normal driving around was not intolerant. I'm not a noise fan so, he equipped it with the correct CAT and, the best possible TRUCK, flow-through muffler I could get.

It ran waaaaaay better after he was done with it. If you don't know where he's at, he's located on North Barcelona in Casa De Oro. (My old stomping ground). He, without a doubt, is the best place to get your issue resolved, while residing in CA.

Now, I'm not sure where you're heading or, leaving to when you leave this state but, there are some states out there that are right along side CA in their smog requirements. I don't follow all of them but, I've read that some are pretty restrictive too. You'll have to do your own research on that. Good luck.
Scott

rgatijnet1 wrote:
Rockauto.com lists a catalytic converter for a 2001 Ford F53 6.8L V10 for $160.79.

This is where I buy all my stuff. Great products, with low prices
and fast shipping! Bought new exhaust from them this year for our
motorhome. And they do have CA approved ones.

Brian

California requires that the cat converter be calif certified. I believe they are stamped CA CARB certified or something like that. And they are the more expensive ones. Perhaps if a smog shop sees a nice new one on there they will be inclined to check for that.

Rockauto.com lists a catalytic converter for a 2001 Ford F53 6.8L V10 for $160.79.

Pick a used one up at a wrecking yard, buy an aftermarket one from a muffler shop would be two of my choices.

I heard they are under warranty for 50,000 miles. I would check that first. When I lived in CA I took mine off after the inspection and put it back on for next inspection. I think now it is all part of the electronic system. Keep in mind if you whine enough to the state that they are not available they will come up with a solution. Maybe let you skate long enough to get out of CA. i.e. extensions.