I have a ford explorer 1993. mechanic says the catalic converter is shot and he would replace it for $1700. or he said I should go to an exhaust shop and they would probably make one and put in at a cost of about $300. Im not spending $1700 on an old car as I intend to get a much newer one within the next year. But it seems such a big difference in prices? anyone know why? what would you do? should I just remove the converter, could I drive for that long without it?
2007-03-27 23:44:35 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
$1700 is rediculous. I would never go to that mechanic again. Catalytic converters usually cost about $100 and then $50 to $150 to install depending if they have to weld it in or if they can jsut bolt it in. Also no shop can "make" one. They may be able to make a universal one fit for less than the price mentioned above. This piece of your exhaust system contains chemicals that react with your exhaust. They change CO to CO2 and split NO into N and O. Do a seach on google for Ford Explorer catalytic converter and you will find sites with prices. You can also call local auto parts shops for a price for the part. Also, I dont see how a mechanic would know that this part is shot. In very rare cases it can clog and decrease your performance, but this is rare. Usually you would find out when you went for your inspection if your state requires emmisions testing. You will fail emmisions if your cat. is bad. If your car runs fine don't worry about it unless you fail emissions testing. Best advice I can give is find a new mechanic.
2007-03-28 00:09:07 · answer #1 · answered by Tim H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A catalytic converter converts harmful exaust gases from your engine into less harmful gases. If you run the car without it you will probably get a check engine light, fail any emissions testing and obviously be polluting the air. The reasons behind the different prices you are getting are because the stock replacment exaust parts from the dealers are always way overpriced. Why I'm not sure. An exaust shop is definitly a wiser choice for your problem than the dealership but even $300 is a high price. You can buy a universal catalytic convertor online for about 70 bucks. Check out Ebay and sites like summitracing.com. I have used these convertors and they are just as good if not better than the stock parts. A exaust shop should charge about $75 to install one of those for you.
2007-03-28 07:53:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like that mechanic wants to take you for a ride.At $300.00 it does sound right for parts and labor.The Catalyctic Convertor is required to pass Motor Vehicle Inspection.It is wise to replace, as they can 'clog up' and cause the car to have no power.A muffler shop can cut the old one out and replace just it.(if they want to) no need to replace any additional pipe if the pipe is still in good shape.And yes, you can drive without it, by filling in the space left with another piece of exhaust pipe.But, it is against the law and they would fail you on a road side inspection.You best bet would be to replace 'it' only.
2007-03-28 07:02:35 · answer #3 · answered by tturbod2001 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I am not mistake, the catalytic converter, which is part of the emission control mandated by the government ,is warranted for the life of the car. Talk to a Ford dealer about this.
2007-03-28 06:50:50 · answer #4 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an oe part consists of down pipe and cat and is superior to an aftermarket cat which may only be 45 percent effiecient if you are replacing it due to a performance issue such as no power,lack of power, or noise and are going to get rid of vehicle within a year and are not required to pass an emission test then go with the 300 cat.
2007-03-28 07:15:21 · answer #5 · answered by russ G 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋