Car Question?

Question

I have a 1991 Nissan Stanza. Recently something fell off the bottom of the car. I believe it is a cover protecting the catalytic converter. is there a reason why it would be bad to not have a new cover put back on?

Answer 1

First it protects the converter(which can cost you @ $200 to replace) and also acts as a heat shield to the underbody of the car.

Answer 2

The catalytic convertor heat shields are made of stainless steel and aluminum. The most important side of the heat shield that is attached to the convertor is the side facing the car. This protects the body from high temperatures that can cause a fire to the body panels and or the carpeting or padding inside the car.

The other side of the convertor heat shield protects the road surfaces and other stuff in the road from excessive heat. The cat convertor will run orange hot on the Interstate and it generates a lot of heat at any speed.

The actual cat convertor is enclosed in a stainless steel heat shield or casing and the other shielding is additional protection to things "around" or in close proximity to the convertor.

You can't use anything but sheet metal, steel, aluminum, or stainless steel to shield the heat due to the extreme temperatures. Anything else would catch on fire.

If your state requires annual inspections they will catch this and tell you whether or not it has to be repaired.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

The catalytic converter is a very expensive part, and it runs very hot when the car is being driven, which is why you are warned not to park in a field over combustible vegetation. Without the cover it can be damaged more easily, and it can also start a fire.

Answer 4

I would get a piece of old plywood or plastic and cover it up.

Answer 5

lets just wrap it in straw and oily rags ...what could go wrong ?

Answer 6

I would not worry about it!