Cat Converter

[SilverFive]

E34/1990
When is it time for a new catalytic converter? 219k miles currently.

The car sputters in the first gear (0-25), its automatic, but it sounds like a spark isn't firing correctly, no backfiring, but most recently, I've had the check engine light on, and it was also suggested that I change the Air Flow Meter....... Didn't pass emissions in MD either, too much NOx.....

I'm convinced the same cat has been there since its birth...is it a good idea to change it along with a tune up? Any suggestions help.

 

[PhatBimmer]

As I have been told "YOU" cannot remove a catalytic converter unless you have a professional technician have it inspected for you and tell you that you need a new one or not and it has to be documented. Of course this is if you want to keep legal but nobody does that either, have it checked out since at the same time if all goes well and you do need one you can have them remove it and you buy a high flow cat and give it to them to install it for you. Its a win win either way.

 

[epj3]

As I have been told "YOU" cannot remove a catalytic converter unless you have a professional technician have it inspected for you and tell you that you need a new one or not and it has to be documented. Of course this is if you want to keep legal but nobody does that either, have it checked out since at the same time if all goes well and you do need one you can have them remove it and you buy a high flow cat and give it to them to install it for you. Its a win win either way.

this is all BIG news to me!!!

 

[SilverFive]

I've never heard such a thing, but since I didn't pass emissions, I'd guess I wouldn't need to give much explanation for having my cat. changed....I'd have the entire exhaust done, its time I'm sure........but I was wondering if the cat had anything with the stuttering I'm experiencing upon acceleration.

 

[PhatBimmer]

Its true you know anytime you mess with anything that has to do with emissions is a federal offense because the EPA says so. So thats why when we take off the cats we have to document it that it needed to be removed because it was faulty and no longer operational. I dunno what the big deal is to take it to someone to take a look at it.

 

[SilverFive]

Like I said, since I failed emissions I wouldn't see why that would need to be explained. I'm telling my mechanic to replace the exhaust system w/cat.....the muffler is past due as I'm sure the cat is also. My question was trying to pinpoint my stuttering and choking in the first gear. Since its a 90, I just think its time to clean her up and get the exhaust done....the cat can't be that great at 219k....and 3 different states....

 

[epj3]

Its true you know anytime you mess with anything that has to do with emissions is a federal offense because the EPA says so. So thats why when we take off the cats we have to document it that it needed to be removed because it was faulty and no longer operational. I dunno what the big deal is to take it to someone to take a look at it.

You are soooo wrong. It goes by state - those aren't federal laws. Just becuase your state has some stupid law doesn't mean any others do and I know PA doesn't - as long as there is a cat THERE, they'll pass it for pre OBDII vehicles, and as long as it's there and FUNCTIONS, it passes for OBDII vehicles. There is no rule about how to actually replace it. That's the most asinine thing I've ever heard.

 

[SilverFive]

(waiting for the punches to be thrown.....ducking quietly out of the way)

 

[bahnstormer]

check your 02 sensor before you go replacing your cat
as an oem one will cost u a lot

there are some on ebay that i see called high flo cats
which go for 100 bucks or so...these universal ones will take
a bit of work to fit but technically they should work well
enough