think the insulator came off my catalytic conv. car dumped coolant. Found insulator looking thing in driveway?

Question

Does the catalytic convertor have an insulator? If so is it hard to put back on? Will my car catch on fire if I drive without it?

Answer 1

I believe that you are talking about a heat shield that is placed between the catalytic converter and the body of the car. It would normally rattle like mad before it comes off. I would venture to say that 30% of the cars on the road today are driving without them. They are there for added safety feature, I would drive with out it and feel safe. You can have it welded back on at a muffler shop.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Well, without knowing what year, make, and model car, or seeing the actual part, this is a "shot in the dark". I believe you may have 2 problems. By insulator, I'm assuming you mean an exhaust hangar (an oval shaped piece of rubber about 1/2" thick)?? If it is a hangar, it could have come from anywhere in the exhaust system. It should be replaced. I don't believe this has anything to do with your coolant leak, unless you have a van with a rear heater, the the exhaust MAY have shifted position and hit a coolant line, breaking it. Instead, I feel you may have a bad radiator hose, water pump, cracked radiator, etc. Best thing to do is get it to your mechanic and have it checked. DO NOT OVERHEAT THE ENGINE, as this will cause further damage! If you don't feel safe driving the vehicle, have it towed. HTH!

Answer 3

The converter has nothing to do with your coolant! Sounds more like you lost a freeze plug. Did the cooland dump quickly? A freeze plug is a round piece of steel about the size of a half dollar.