Catalytic Convertor

ElkyElky

I have a 98 Honda CRV 2l. I had an issue a few weeks ago where my exhaust pipe broke in half between my catalytic convertor and the muffler. It happened at the start of my 500 mile drive down the motorway so I had to endure the entire journey without a muffler and it was extreme torture (The AA couldn't temp fix it).

I had a garage weld the exhaust back together and so far it's holding really well. However, I was told that my catalytic convertor had a blow out at the same time. I hope someone could explain exactly what this means and is it a result of my exhaust breaking in half?

Since being told of the blow out, there has been a loudish rattling noise coming from that area. Sounds like a piece of metal is spinning around inside the catalytic convertor when the engine is on. There is vibrations coming from the convertor as apposed to anywhere else on the pipe work so that's how I'm able to confirm that the rattling noise is coming from the convertor.

The rattling noise is driving me mad so I'm determined to source a second hand convertor and replace it. Does anyone know what sort of price I'll be looking at for a second hand and brand new one? I understand that a convertor is a really expensive part?

Am I correct in thinking it'll fail an MOT as well?

forgotmyname

Sounds like its broken down inside, You could try removing the inner pieces it may still pass an MOT.

You could try it without one, Pop along to an MOT station & bung them a couple of £ to put it on the gas tester.

If it fails or borderline get yourself a CAT. 2nd hand maybe risky. Approx £100 for a new one.

ElkyElky

forgotmyname wrote: »

Sounds like its broken down inside, You could try removing the inner pieces it may still pass an MOT.

You could try it without one, Pop along to an MOT station & bung them a couple of £ to put it on the gas tester.

If it fails or borderline get yourself a CAT. 2nd hand maybe risky. Approx £100 for a new one.

£100 for a new CAT? I thought it was going to be around £300-400, or so I was led to believe. I actually don't mind buying a new one if it's going to be around that price.

My MOT isn't due until next year so I'm not too bothered about emissions at this stage, just have to get the rattling noise to stop. I'll try taking my CAT off and see if I can fish any broken parts out to save some cash. If not, I'll just go buy a new one.

Once I get the CAT situation sorted, I'll replace the pipe that was welded.

http://www.cats-direct-shop.co.uk/exhaust-system-details.php?ID=420177 - It's the two middle parts in this picture that'll have to be replaced I assume. That long pipe, just after it joins the CAT is where it broke in half.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

ElkyElky wrote: »

£100 for a new CAT? I thought it was going to be around £300-400, or so I was led to believe. I actually don't mind buying a new one if it's going to be around that price.

My MOT isn't due until next year so I'm not too bothered about emissions at this stage, just have to get the rattling noise to stop. I'll try taking my CAT off and see if I can fish any broken parts out to save some cash. If not, I'll just go buy a new one.

Once I get the CAT situation sorted, I'll replace the pipe that was welded.

http://www.cats-direct-shop.co.uk/exhaust-system-details.php?ID=420177 - It's the two middle parts in this picture that'll have to be replaced I assume. That long pipe, just after it joins the CAT is where it broke in half.

HA284G is the centre exhaust with muffler, if the peices inside the muffler collapsed usually a metal mesh cylinder or peice of it if corroded, and the "fibre wool" blew out and is missing it will sound louder and on acceleration sound hollow like wind blowing thorugh a tunnel but higher pitch.

if the cat converter has gone, wich a simple test at a MOT station will determing, being a 98 model £130 odd inc vat pounds for a non approved catalytic converter, is penny;s compared to mine at £496.

cyclonebri1

I wouldn't bother taking it to the garage, simply get quotes for a new system inc the Cat. OK not strictly MSE, but at 13 years old assuming you want a few more trouble free years (which is MSE), I think it's the sensible option.

s_b

if you intend keeping the car then although its legal to put a new but cheap cat on this car come next year it will fail emmisions due to them being rubbish
either find a s/h cat from a trusted local breaker or bite the bullet for new is my advice or scrap the car,you dont need to go to a dealer for a quality cat any factor can source quality cats look in google for local outlets to phone or ask anyone in the trade you know for first hand local advice (i have an exhaust supplier near me that is on the ball for oddballs like yours)

Hammyman

ElkyElky wrote: »

I have a 98 Honda CRV 2l. I had an issue a few weeks ago where my exhaust pipe broke in half between my catalytic convertor and the muffler. It happened at the start of my 500 mile drive down the motorway so I had to endure the entire journey without a muffler and it was extreme torture (The AA couldn't temp fix it).

So you are expecting us to believe that in that whole 500 miles, you never came anywhere near a tyre & exhaust fast fit center where you could have just driven in and got it fixed?

Did the AA remove the rest of the exhaust or did you do the 500 miles hoping it wouldn't drop down, dig into the road and catapult the rear of the vehicle into the air or, if YOU are lucky and it falls off, the poor !!!!!! behind you ends up running over it?

The car sounds like a right old shed and you another who doesn't look after their cars putting us all at risk so it would probably be better for everyone on the road around you and cheaper in the long run if you scrap it and buy another.

laurence_p

your a happy cheerful person, how does my exhaust snapped mean that their car is a shed and not serviced. i thought the idea of a forum was to help people not to slate them.

cyclonebri1

laurence_p wrote: »

your a happy cheerful person, how does my exhaust snapped mean that their car is a shed and not serviced. i thought the idea of a forum was to help people not to slate them.

Some posters here have a "different" agenda, ;)

Igol

You could always take the cheaper option and fit a de-cat exhaust, chances are it'll pass the gas test anyway as its a pretty new engine.

s_b

Igol wrote: »

You could always take the cheaper option and fit a de-cat exhaust, chances are it'll pass the gas test anyway as its a pretty new engine.

oh dear..........