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+--- Thread: dont have money to fix catalytic converter.. how detrimental is it to wait a month or two to fix? (/showthread.php?tid=86464)
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Re: dont have money to fix catalytic converter.. how detrimental is it to wait a month or two to fix? - davester - 10-22-2009
Oh, and regarding those other posts about checking the O2 sensors before going to the expense of a cat replacement, right on. It is always worth it to have your o2 sensors working correctly because a malfunctioning sensor can cause a bad cat. You should figure out why your cat failed before replacing it and ruining a new one.
As to the original question, if it is just a check engine light (which likely indicates that the O2 sensors are detecting a failed cat), you can probably go a while unless there is some other evidence of mechanical cat failure (i.e. blockage).
Re: dont have money to fix catalytic converter.. how detrimental is it to wait a month or two to fix? - macphanatic - 10-22-2009
Do you hear a crunching gravel like sound as the car warms up? If so, the catalyst is cracked or broken. If it continues, pieces may get pushed into the muffler and plug it up.
I would check to see if your car has primary and secondary cats. Fords typically have this arrangement. If you have primaries and it is the secondary that is the problem, I would consider pulling the secondary and removing the catalyst. The catalyst on my old truck broke and loaded up the muffler. Only found out about it when I replaced the muffler. Took the cat off and dumped the catalyst. At inspection, my emissions test was no different than previous years.
Re: dont have money to fix catalytic converter.. how detrimental is it to wait a month or two to fix? - edgarbc1 - 10-22-2009
Chevy Silverado 2000
thanks for the info.. ill investigate further!!
Re: dont have money to fix catalytic converter.. how detrimental is it to wait a month or two to fix? - C(-)ris - 10-22-2009
Depends on how bad it is, but if your cat is bad it will ruin the O2 sensor behind it eventually. Then you have 2 parts to replace. O2s aren't cheap, but light on the labor.
Re: dont have money to fix catalytic converter.. how detrimental is it to wait a month or two to fix? - bazookaman - 10-22-2009
C(-)ris wrote:
O2s aren't cheap, but light on the labor.
Especially when you find out your 01 takes 02 O2 sensors which are twice the price.
Re: dont have money to fix catalytic converter.. how detrimental is it to wait a month or two to fix? - decay - 10-23-2009
in PA, i've heard that a car older than 10 years is not required to have an emissions test/inspection.
The following tests may be required for your vehicle:
County: Lehigh
Year: 1991
Vehicle: Car
Tests: Visual Check and Gas Cap Check
Disclaimer: Gasoline-powered motor vehicles with a model year of 1975 and newer with a GVWR of 9,000 pounds or less and registered in an I/M county or region are subject to an emission inspection. Actual test requirements based on make and model, drive system, vehicle weight, etc. The regulations in Title 67 Pa. Code, Chapter 177 shall determine the test type for any individual vehicle.
Visual Check
What is a Visual Anti-Tampering Check?
The Visual Anti-Tampering Check is a visual inspection for the presence of emission control components that were installed on your vehicle by the manufacturer.
How is a Visual Anti-Tampering Check performed?
A certified technician will look for the presence of the following emission control devices:
* Catalytic converter
* Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve
* Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve
* Fuel inlet restrictor
* Air pump
* Evaporative control system components such as vapor canisters and lines.
The certified technician will also determine if these devices are properly connected and if they are the correct type for the vehicle being inspected.