I have a 1999 Chevy Lumina and it seems like every year they have to replace the catalytic converter.
I do take my car to the same mechanic,so he's not charging me to replace it.
Do I just have bad luck with the converters ? Or is he installing bad/used ones ? ?
2007-03-12 03:08:48 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
check :
1. spark plugs and wires
2. air filter
3. engine carbon buildup (if any)
4. O2 sensor (you might have more than 1 O2 sensor).
5. Clogged Exhaust.
- Try adding acetone or changing fuel type .
2007-03-12 03:22:04 · answer #1 · answered by al.bdour 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The converters don't really go bad, they get stopped up. They get stopped up by such things as an engine burning oil or out of tune. I think, just like seeing a doctor, sometimes you need a second opinion just to be on the safe side that your mechanic is being honest. I've been driving since 1958 and doing my own repairs and tune-up's, and in this time I've only had one bad catalytic converter. A lot of time when the check engine light come on it really means nothing(maybe a miss fire or something) and some repair shops will take you for a money ride.
2007-03-12 10:25:43 · answer #2 · answered by Mountain Man 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. Those things are usally a 5 to 10 year item. If he's really installing new ones then you have to go to the engine and find out wherelse the problem lies. Most likely, the valve train is to blame. In a motor that old, they are probably not seating properly anymore and thus sending a bunch of soot through the exhaust to the converter. If he's putting in used ones,,,,, well that's just wrong.
In both cases you really ought to go to another mechanic because this guy should have started looking for another problem a long time ago.
2007-03-12 10:24:07 · answer #3 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catalytic converters last a good long time, so the question is...why is it being changed every year? Rusting out? Plugged up?
An "average" converter should last three or four muffler changes...you may have a lot of oil getting into it if it's getting plugged...
2007-03-12 10:16:54 · answer #4 · answered by Michael B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure he is putting in a new one. Getting under and mark a spot and make sure he just does not clean it. Does he charge you for labor then.
Get a Haynes Repair Manual at the local Auto Zone or auto parts store in your area. It will troubleshoot and show you how to fix your vehicle. Also on the Auto Zone site has a section for vehicle maintenance
2007-03-12 10:21:59 · answer #5 · answered by Big C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
replacing every year! They shouldn't go bad that quick. there is another problem...have you checked the 02 sensor and your air/ fuel adjustments.
2007-03-12 10:15:31 · answer #6 · answered by Robert P 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋