Is there anything else I can do besides replace the Catalytic Converter or junk my car to fix it?

Question

I went to the mechanic today and he said he thinks my Catalytic Converters needs to be replaced. Of course I'm going to get second and third opinion but I was wondering id there was anything else I could besides getting the work done or junking my car?

Answer 1

No. If your catalytic converter is worn out, it needs to be replaced. Unless you live in a state with no state inspection or state emissions requirement, then you could just have it removed. But your car may not run right with catalyst since the oxygen sensors would be missing too.

You may have bad oxygen sensors. Have a mechanic test those before installing a new catalyst. But if you have a "Check Engine" light and the car smells like sulfur (rotten eggs) when it runs, your catalyst is bad.

Answer 2

If you live in an area that requires an emissions inspection, then you have to replace the catalytic converter(s). If not, you can just run a piece of staight pipe in place of the catalytic converter(s). If you go that route it might run you $20 for parts. I did on an older car I had, and it ran perfectly fine.

Answer 3

If the cat converter has a hole in it, it should be replaced. But why does your mechanic think that's a problem? Is it making loud noises, or did it fail an emmissions test?

Don't junk the car for this, unless the car's really old and worth <$100.

Smart on the 2nd & 3rd opinions.

Answer 4

You can still drive the car without a Catalytic converter. All it does is purifies the the smoke from your car to the air, It shouldnt cost allot anyways.

Answer 5

You can buy rebuilt catalytic converters. They aren't particularly expensive, but they are important. If you have the car already, then why junk it. The amount you would spend to fix it is roughly one month's car payment, and the new car might just have its own problems. I'd just fix it.

Answer 6

Wat car model, wat year ??? what is the problem that brought you to the repair shop ?? How can so many answers come out with no info. except " I THINK" it's the cat. Run don't walk from any "mechanic" who tells you I think. If they could think they would diagnose the problem. Ask the "mechanic" if he is wrong there will be no labor charge.