So Fix it

When working correctly, a catalytic converter cleans up the pollution that stems from your vehicles exhaust. The life expectancy of this part is well above 90,000 miles. However, because some issues can affect this estimate, its wise to test the converter for problems that could shorten its life.

Map Sensor

One way to test the efficiency of a catalytic converter is by disconnecting its MAP sensor. Doing this is supposed to make the converters temperature go up, which indicates no trouble. If the temperature remains the same, the catalyst has likely gone bad. It should also be kept in mind that an error code will occur once the MAP sensor is disconnected.

Plug Wire

By undoing and grounding a plug wire, you can create an overflow of hydrocarbons within the vehicles exhaust pipe. If the temperature goes up drastically, the converter is fine. This test should should not be run for more than two minutes because of the risk that it could damage the converter.

Exhaust Analyzer

An exhaust analyzer can also be used to check the performance of a catalytic converter to ensure that it reaches its life expectancy. This equipment can notify you if emissions levels are too high by taking readings at the exhaust pipe. An exhaust analyzer costs between $2,000 and $6,000.

When working correctly, a catalytic converter cleans up the pollution that stems from your vehicles exhaust. The life expectancy of this part is well above 90,000 miles. However, because some issues can affect this estimate, its wise to test the converter for problems that could shorten its life.

Map Sensor

One way to test the efficiency of a catalytic converter is by disconnecting its MAP sensor. Doing this is supposed to make the converters temperature go up, which indicates no trouble. If the temperature remains the same, the catalyst has likely gone bad. It should also be kept in mind that an error code will occur once the MAP sensor is disconnected.

Plug Wire

By undoing and grounding a plug wire, you can create an overflow of hydrocarbons within the vehicles exhaust pipe. If the temperature goes up drastically, the converter is fine. This test should should not be run for more than two minutes because of the risk that it could damage the converter.

Exhaust Analyzer

An exhaust analyzer can also be used to check the performance of a catalytic converter to ensure that it reaches its life expectancy. This equipment can notify you if emissions levels are too high by taking readings at the exhaust pipe. An exhaust analyzer costs between $2,000 and $6,000.

The catalytic converter reduces smog emissions by converting harmful emissions from your engine into less dangerous gases. Like any other part on your car, there will come a time when the catalytic converter will need to be replaced either because it is broken and has holes in it, or it just gets clogged up. The project is not difficult, and the entire process will take about an hour to an hour and a half to complete.

Instructions

1

Park the car on a level surface and set the parking brake.

2

Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.

3

Raise the car with an automobile jack and place a jack stand under the car at the frame rail. Position the jack stand as close as possible to the frame.

4

Remove the bolts from the front and back end of the catalytic converter with the proper size socket and a ratchet.

5

Remove the catalytic converter from the exhaust system by twisting it and tapping the ends with a rubber mallet.

6

Install the new catalytic converter in place of the old one and secure it with the bolts hand-tight.

7

Tighten all of the bolts with the proper size socket and ratchet.

8

Remove the jack stand and lower the car to the ground with the jack.

Problems with the catalytic converter on your Mercedes, or any vehicle for that matter, are often more difficult to deal with than most drivers realize because it is illegal to tamper with a catalytic converter in any way. This means it is illegal to attempt to fix your Mercedes catalytic converter by any means other than having an approved certified mechanic replace it.



There are both federal and state laws governing the removal and replacement of catalytic converters on vehicles. The noise your catalytic converter is making indicates a problem that may cause your Mercedes to fail an emissions test or land you a number of federal fines from the Environmental Protection Agency if not handled properly. It is only legal to remove it if the noise is affecting its function.

Instructions

1

Check the warranty. Your Mercedes may not be covered by the federally mandated Environmental Protection Agency warranty. Federal law emissions warranty specifies that if your car was manufactured before 1996, the catalytic converter is still under warranty only if the car has less than 50,000 miles on it. If the car was manufactured after 1996, the car is legally required to have more than 80,000 miles on it or be more than eight years old to be out of warranty.

Some Mercedes vehicles have documented issues with the catalytic converters. Mercedes reached a settlement with the EPA to extend the emissions warranties on these vehicles.

2

Take your Mercedes to the dealership, or a mechanic who regularly handles these cars, and have the catalytic converter tested. You will need to go to a mechanic who is familiar with the cars exhaust system requirements and has access to original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, exhaust parts. The converter used to replace your Mercedes converter must be identical to the original Mercedes catalytic converter.

If your car is still covered by the federal warranty, it will need to be taken to the Mercedes dealership.

3

Have the mechanic thoroughly document the problem with the converter, then, if necessary, replace it with an identical new converter. Documentation of the problem is a legal requirement if the converter needs to be replaced.

Since tampering with converters is illegal, your noisy converter will probably be replaced. If the converter is still functioning, the mechanic is not legally allowed to remove it.

4

Make sure the mechanic also fills out a warranty card as required by federal law. Save a copy of everything for your records in case of emissions inspection problems at a later date.

Practically every car sold in the United States since the mid 1970s has been equipped with a catalytic converter. These exhaust system components reduce the amount of harmful gases that are released into the atmosphere as byproducts of an internal combustion engine. Some say that a cars performance will improve after the cat (as they are sometimes called) is removed, but the basis for this claim is not backed up by any authority. Heres why you need a catalytic converter on your car.

The facts

Catalytic converters are required equipment for all gas and diesel powered cars on the road today. You cant buy a car that does not have one. Removing the catalytic converter from your car is in violation of the federally mandated Clean Air Act, and may also be in violation of state law as well. If you remove the cat, you will fail the emissions test when your car is next inspected. If you drive a car that has on board diagnostics, removing the converter will cause your "Check Engine" light to come on.

Function

The catalytic converter removes hydrocarbons (unburned fuel), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) from the exhaust before it reaches the muffler. There are two main types of catalytic converters: Two-way and three-way. Two way converters, which were the first to be put into general use, remove only the hydrocarbons and CO.

How they work

Catalytic converters essentially just burn the remaining hydrocarbons, CO and NOX to create harmless CO2, water and nitrogen. As temperatures approach 1,400 Fahrenheit the catalyst found inside the converter (usually platinum, rhodium and/or palladium) helps the oxidization of the exhaust gases without undergoing any chemical change to itself.

Significance

The Clean Air Act of 1970 was passed to prevent the dangerous emissions of fossil fuel combustion from becoming a serious threat to the quality of life in this country. Hydrocarbon emissions can contribute to many illnesses, including the irritation of the throat, lung and the eyes. Oxides of nitrogen are a component of smog and they produce ozone, which is a smelly irritant of the eyes and respiratory system. Carbon monoxide is extremely toxic and can cause death if inhaled in large concentrations.

History

After a catalytic muffler that was developed in the late fifties suffered failures due to lead additives in the gasoline, the first catalytic converters were created in 1975 by John Mooney and Carl Keith. These were two-way converters, and it wasnt until 1981 that the three-way catalytic converter was introduced.

The Nissan Motor Company began importing the Datsun pickup truck to the United States in 1959. Automobile consumers in the United States were accustomed to large vehicles containing V8 engines, so the Datsun 1000, a compact truck with a 37-horse power four-cylinder engine, was a foreign concept to most American automobile consumers. Nissan soon dropped the Datsun name and continued to manufacture the truck under the Nissan name. Nissans sales continue to grow with continued innovations and standard features that include automatic transmissions and fuel injection. Installing a torque converter requires moderate automotive repair knowledge. The transmission should already be removed from the truck being serviced.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the trucks battery.

2

Raise the front of the truck off of the ground using a jack. Place one jack-stand behind each front wheel assembly, under the "A" arm. Lower the truck onto the jack-stands. Make sure the front of the truck is safely supported. Remove the jack.

3

Raise the rear of the tuck off of the ground using a jack. Place one jack-stand behind each rear wheel assembly, under the rear axle. Lower the truck onto the jack-stands. Make sure the rear of the vehicle is safely supported. Remove the jack.

4

Align the spines on the output shaft of the transmission to the grooves inside the torque converter

5

Push the torque converter onto the output shaft of the transmission by hand until the torque converter is fully seated.

6

Lift the transmission up using a transmission jack and align the flywheel studs on the torque converter to the holes in the flywheel. The flywheel is mounted on the rear of the engine, under the truck. Make sure the transmission is securely strapped or chained to the transmission jack before raising the transmission.

7

Push the transmission and jack assembly forward by hand until the torque converter studs come through the holes in the flywheel. Make sure the torque converter is sitting flush against the flywheel assembly and the bell housing is sitting flush against the rear of the engine.

8

Insert all six bell housing bolts through the bell housing into the rear of the engine block. Thread the bolts by hand to make sure there is no cross-threading. Tighten the bolts using a torque wrench and socket to the manufacturers recommended torque level. Make sure the bell housing is sitting flush on the rear of the engine block before tightening the bolts. Do not use the bell housing bolts to pull the two units together.

9

Locate the torque converter access cover on the bottom of the bell housing. Remove the two access cover bolts using a socket wrench and socket and pull the access cover off by hand. Set the access cover aside.

10

Locate the transmission gear selector switch on the drivers side of the transmission. Place the transmission in neutral. Check that the transmission is in neutral by rotating the flywheel and torque converter assembly by placing a pry bar through the access cover hole and turning the engine flywheel counterclockwise.

11

Thread all six of the torque converter nuts onto the torque converter studs by hand. Rotate the engine flywheel assembly counterclockwise using a pry bar to access each torque converter stud.

12

Tighten the torque converter nuts in a star pattern to the manufactures recommended torque level using a torque wrench and socket. Replace the bell housing access cover and tighten the two retaining bolts.

13

Replace the transmission cross-member and secure the cross-member to the truck frame using two bolts. Tighten the bolts using a torque wrench and socket to the manufacturers recommended torque level. Attach the transmission to the cross-member using two nuts. Tighten the nuts using a torque wrench and socket to the manufacturers recommended torque level.

14

Raise the starter mobile assembly up to the passenger side of the bell housing by hand. Insert the "gear end" of the starter motor assembly into the bell housing. Make sure the visible starter motor gears are facing the flywheel assembly and attach the starter motor assembly to the bell housing using two bolts. Tighten the two bolts using a torque wrench and socket to the manufacturers recommended torque level.

15

Attach the two transmission cooler lines to the passenger side of the transmission using a flare nut wrench.

16

Insert the drive shaft into the rear of the transmission. Lift the U-joint end of the drive shaft up to the rear axle of the vehicle and thread the four drive shaft retaining bolts through the U-joint into the rear end by hand. Tighten the four bolts to the manufactures recommended torque level using a torque wrench and a socket.

17

Attach the transmission shift linkage to the transmission gear selector switch on the driver side of the transmission and secure with a nut. Tighten the nut using a socket wrench and socket until the shift linkage is fully secure.

18

Locate the fluid filler tube hole on the front, driver side of the transmission. Insert the fluid filler tube into the transmission through the engine compartment. Secure the fluid filler tube onto the transmission using a bolt and tightening the bolt clockwise using a socket wrench and socket.

19

Raise the rear of the vehicle using a jack. Remove the two jack-stands. Lower the rear of the vehicle to the ground. Remove the jack.

20

Raise the front of the vehicle using a jack. Remove the two jack-stands. Lower the front of the vehicle to the ground. Remove the jack.

21

Connect the negative battery cable to the vehicles battery. Start the truck and let the engine idle until it reaches normal operating temperature. Shut off the trucks engine. Check the transmission fluid. Add fluid as needed until the transmission dip-stick reads full.

Removing the catalytic converter is not often required on your Jeep wrangler, but if you need to do it the process only takes a few minutes to complete. New converters are available though the dealer and many parts stores. They do not often go bad, but debris under the truck can damage the case or body of the converter.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of your Jeep with a jack. Position a set of jack stands under the front axle housing and lower the jack until the Jeep is resting securely on the jack stands.

2

Locate the catalytic converter under the truck. It is in the exhaust system just in front of the muffler and just behind the exhaust down pipe. Find the flange at the front of the converter with the two mounting bolts that secure it.

3

Remove the mounting bolts from the front flange with a ratchet and socket then separate the front pipe from the catalytic converter. Move to the back of the converter and locate the exhaust clamp that secures the catalytic converter to the muffler.

4

Remove the two mounting nuts from the clamp and separate the catalytic converter from the muffler by pulling the converter forward. Twisting the converter as you pull it will often help to free it from the pipe.

5

Remove the converter from under the truck.

A catalytic converter is an exhaust component that was put on all production cars since 1974. The job of a catalytic converter on a Pontiac Grand Prix is to burn up any left over gas that went through the engine and was left unburned. The catalytic converter uses a chemical reaction to change the unburned engine gases to less toxic gases, like carbon dioxide and water vapor. This helps cut down on the pollutants emitted, from the Grand Prix, into the atmosphere.

General Location

Because the catalytic converter is an exhaust component, it is located in the exhaust system on the underside of the Grand Prix. On the Grand Prix, the exhaust system attaches to the engine block and to the underside of the car using brackets, and then exists out the rear of the vehicle with dual exhaust tips. The converter looks like a small muffler, or rectangular box, around the middle of the exhaust pipe. The primary components of the converter are usually made out of stainless steel.

Location on the Exhaust

The catalytic converter is located between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. The exhaust manifold is a pipe that moves the engine gasses from the engines combustion chamber into the exhaust system. The muffler is a large chamber located near the end of your exhaust system that reduces the noise energy of the exhaust gasses as they exit the exhaust system.

Why Its on the Car

Toxic gasses are released when the engine in the Grand Prix runs. These gasses could cause depletion of the ozone, as well as illness or damage to the environment, if they were released without being broken down into less harmful gasses. Because the government put emission restrictions into place to slow the buildup of pollution, all cars were equipped with catalytic converters after 1974. This has cut down on the pollution being released by automobiles significantly since the government required all cars to have the converter.

Why Its in the Exhaust System

The exhaust system on the Grand Prix, just like every other car, is used to move gas from the engine out to the surrounding air. The converter is located after the exhaust manifold so that it can take the toxic engine gasses and convert them into less toxic ones before the exhaust moves into the muffler and eventually exist the rear of the Grand Prix. Without the catalytic converter within the exhaust system, exhausted toxic gases from the engine would be released into the atmosphere, causing toxic buildup.

Kids in the United States who reach driving age today probably dont remember acid rain and smog alerts. Those problems still exist, but their frequency and intensity have been mitigated, due in part to the catalytic converter, a clever little device developed by French engineer Eugene Houdry. He identified a growing problem in the smog heyday of the 1950s, but his invention wouldnt become standard equipment in most U.S. autos until the 1970s. Catalytic converters achieve their results efficiently with minimal power loss in todays cleaner-burning engines, but they can become clogged, or "poisoned," and that requires immediate attention.

What Is a Catalyst?

Catalytic converters are made up of a substrate, usually a ceramic honeycomb that maximizes exposed surface area, and a metal catalyst like platinum, rhodium or palladium that reacts with exhaust contaminants. Unburned hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide gas (NOx) are the big three baddies that the catalytic converter eliminates. Signs that your converter may be failing include sluggish throttle response, stalling at high temperature or a persistent sulfur smell coming from the tailpipe.

Poisons

The service life for most OEM converters exceeds 100,000 miles, so if your lower-mileage cars exhaust contains higher-than-accepted levels of HC and CO, the converter is fouled due to a problem elsewhere. There are contaminants that "poison" the reactive surface of the honeycomb. Lead is a converter killer, and while it was banned in gasoline in the 1970s, it is still found in some engine additives. Phosphorous and silicone are culprits also. Phosphorous is found in motor oil and can find its way to the converter if your engine is drawing oil into the combustion chamber. Silicone comes mainly from a leak that causes coolant to burn in the engine and exit to the exhaust systems. Both of these are engine problems that ruin the converter, not converter problems that ruin the engine.

Antidotes

A simple Internet search returns a host of products that promise to clean your catalytic converter. Some of these are temporary fixes designed to fool emissions-testing equipment. That gets you exactly nowhere in terms of fixing your vehicle. The consensus among mechanics is that you dont clean a catalytic converter--you replace it. Magical additives will cost you money, delay the inevitable and divert your attention from the real problem, which could be as severe as a failing head gasket that leaks coolant into the engine. Let that one go for a while, and youll be replacing your entire head at a cost of thousands. The bottom line is to be aware of the messages your car is sending. If your converter is indeed bad, either it has reached the end of its useful life or it is failing prematurely due to another engine problem. Dont get cute. It will cause you headaches down the road.

The Good News

One thing people never do is ask the mechanic to show them their old part when something has been replaced in their cars, which mechanics are required to do by law. This protects consumers against fraud. In the case of the catalytic converter, however, it can also net you some money. You own the failed converter, so youre entitled to take it with you and sell it for scrap. Its full of precious metals, so selling it to a scrap yard can help defray some of your repair costs. Also, the EPA mandates that warranties of up to 8 years and 80,000 miles be given on certain exhaust components. If your problem is the result of a defect, and your converter has failed earlier than it should, your repair cost could be covered under warranty.

Catalytic converters help dilute toxic chemicals that are pushed out of your car through the exhaust. While these converters last years and thousands of miles, there are ways to burn out your converter. This isnt something you want to do. To avoid burnout, consider the causes of catalytic converter failure, and have your car checked by a mechanic according to the manufacturers instructions.

Instructions

1

Drive your car with a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. This can cause thermal failure, which means that excess raw fuels are making their way, in large quantities, to your catalytic converter.

2

Drive around in a car that has a starter or engine that misfires. This can also cause thermal failure of the catalytic converter.

3

Drive around in a car with old spark plugs that are prone to misfiring. This too can cause burnout.

The 2004 Chevy Trailblazer base model came with a 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. Your catalytic converter is located between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. A faulty catalytic converter can result in poor performance and higher emissions levels that will cause you to fail an emissions test. Replacing your catalytic converter is a straightforward task, but the transmission mount has to be removed because of the length of the catalytic converter assembly.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. Lift the front of the vehicle into the air with a floor jack and place jack stands under the front frame rails. Lower the vehicle until it rests securely on the jack stands. Allow the engine and exhaust to cool completely before continuing.

2

Position yourself under the vehicle so that you can clearly view the catalytic converter and its connection to the exhaust manifold. Locate the front oxygen sensor that is positioned just after the first flange and disconnect the pigtail from the wiring harness. Follow the catalytic converter piping after the converter to find the rear oxygen sensor. Disconnect the rear oxygen sensor pigtail from the wiring harness.

3

Place the oxygen sensor socket over the front oxygen sensor so that the pig tail extends through the slotted portion of the socket. Rotate the sensor counterclockwise with a ratchet to remove the sensor from the exhaust. Apply heat with a propane torch around the base of the sensor, if it is difficult to remove. Repeat for the rear oxygen sensor and label each one accordingly; they are not interchangeable and must be installed in the same position.

4

Place one jack stand at the rear and one under the front of the converter assembly, and elevate them until they make contact with the converter assembly. Remove the nuts securing the converter assembly to the exhaust manifold with a ratchet and socket. Remove the nuts securing the converter assembly to the rear muffler pipe.

5

Place a floor jack under the transmission and place a small block of wood on the jack arm. Raise the jack until the wood makes contact with the case of the transmission, but do not apply any upward force. Examine the transmission support that runs between the two frame rails to find the two center access holes. Remove the bolts securing the transmission mount to the transmission support with a socket and ratchet.

6

Remove the bolts securing the transmission support to the frame rails. Lower the transmission support from the vehicle and set it aside. Remove the bolts securing the transmission mount to the base of the transmission. Remove the catalytic converter and transmission mount from under the vehicle.

7

Pry the rubber hangers from the old catalytic converter assembly with a pry bar and set them aside. Set the transmission mount aside, with the rubber hangers attached.

Installation

8

Examine the rubber hangers for any damage or wear and replace as necessary. Install the transmission mount, with the rubber hanger bracket attached, to the transmission. Install the mounting bolts and tighten to 48 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

9

Set the catalytic converter assembly onto the jack stands so that the flanges at both ends meet up with the exhaust manifold and muffler assembly. Lift the catalytic converter assembly as necessary and install the rubber hangers at the transmission mount to the metal hangers on the converter assembly.

10

Lift the transmission support into place between the frame rails and install the retaining bolts. Install the transmission mount to transmission support nuts through the access holes and tighten to 35 foot-pounds.

11

Install a new gasket at the front and rear of the converter assembly. Slide the converter assembly rear flange over the studs for the muffler pipe. Install the rear mounting nuts hand tight. Install the front converter flange to the exhaust manifold and install the mounting nuts hand tight. Tighten the mounting nuts for both flanges one turn at a time until they are tightened to 33 foot-pounds.

12

Remove the jack stands from under the converter assembly. Clean the oxygen sensor threads with a wire brush and apply copper anti-seize to the threads. Install the both oxygen sensors to the converter assembly until hand tight. Tighten both sensors to 30 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and oxygen sensor socket. Plug the oxygen sensor pigtails to their respective wire harness connectors.

13

Lift the front of the vehicle off the jack stands and remove the jack stands from under the vehicle. Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the floor jack.

The catalytic converter neutralizes some of the poisonous gases from the exhaust of internal combustion engines common in most modern automobiles. The catalytic converter on the Ford Escape is engineered to work with the Escapes specific engine and exhaust system. In the event a catalytic converter replacement is necessary on an Escape, be sure to purchase an exact replacement for the existing unit. Failure to use the proper replacement catalytic converter will lead to problems with the emissions system.

Instructions

1

Be sure the vehicle is cold and slide under the passenger side. Bring along the wire coat hanger, socket set, box wrenches and replacement catalytic converter.

2

Wrap the coat hanger around the exhaust pipe behind the catalytic converter and up through the frame to keep the pipe suspended.

3

Use the socket set and box wrenches to unbolt the fasteners in the front and rear flanges of the existing catalytic converter. Set the fasteners aside and put the old catalytic converter on the ground, out of the way.

4

Position the new catalytic converter between the collector pipe and exhaust pipe and reinstall the bolts into the front and rear flanges with the socket set and wrenches.

5

Remove the coat hanger from the frame and exhaust pipe and slide out.

A catalytic converter is used to convert potentially harmful emissions into gases that are not dangerous. Since it is a relatively recent car part, many people are unfamiliar with what it does and how it is used. It is important to be familiar with the workings of a car before you work on one, since a catalytic converter is a very expensive car part.

Instructions

1

Use a jack to raise the car up. Place two jacks on the front and two on the back. Ensure the car is stabilized by using jack stands with the jack support points.

2

Lubricate both the bolts and clamps so they will be easier to remove. Loosen the bolts with an adjustable wrench, since bolt sizes vary. Remove the bolts and put them somewhere safe.

3

Remove the heat shield and clamps. Shake the catalytic converter slightly and pull it from the pipes. In some occurrences, you may need to use a rubber mallet and tap on the converter to release it.

4

Check the connecting pipes for damage. If you see damage, you might need to replace the pipes, while a small crack or puncture can be replaced with an exhaust patch kit you can purchase at an automotive store.

5

Attach the new converter to the exhaust pipe that comes from the front of the vehicle. You may need to use the rubber mallet to ensure that the converter is securely fastened. Align the exhaust pipe from the vehicles rear with the catalytic converters back hole. It may require pushing the pipe back to get it fixed. When it is properly aligned, push the pipe one inch into the converter.

6

Put the heat plate back on, if you removed one, then replace and secure the bolts. Come out from under the car then start the engine. See if the new converter is leaking. Most leaks occur where the exhaust pipes meet the converter. Should you see a leak, you will need to use the automotive exhaust patch kit to patch it up.

7

Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. Write the date of the replacement in your auto maintenance manual. Some states, like California, require this information with auto inspections.

8

Check to see your states requirements for disposing of catalytic converters. Some states require you to take it to an approved location for disposal. You can find this by contacting a local auto store or mechanic.

The "cat converter," another name for a catalytic converter, is a part of a vehicle designed to reduce emissions. Car makers have been required to install the devices, containing valuable palladium and platinum, in new cars since 1975, though in recent years car makers have been finding ways to make them without valuable metals. Still, because of the metals inside many converters, scrap metal recyclers will accept them for recycling.

Instructions

1

Search to find the best price for your cat converter. In 2010, platinum is worth about $1,700 an ounce. Youre not likely to get even close to that for the amount of platinum inside your cat converter, but its good to know how much platinum is worth. Look for a model number on your cat converter and search classified ads to find what that type of cat converter is selling for. Use this research as a guide when you go to recycle your converter.

2

Find a scrap metal recycler near you. Many cities have at least a few scrap metal recyclers that you can find under "scrap metal" in business listings. Also check with the local garbage hauler to find out which places they recommend, or search the database of Earth911 under "scrap metal." Once youve found a place to accept your cat converter, note their hours and location.

3

Take your cat converter to the scrap metal recycling center of your choice. Bring your identification, as many states have laws that track metal recycling to cut down on theft.

In the 1970s, the catalytic converter was first introduced to control pollutants on cars and trucks. In 1976, the catalytic converter was made mandatory on all vehicles in the United States. The catalytic converter -- also caller a "cat" -- is responsible for removing unburned fuel from the vehicles exhaust. The catalytic converter typically fails when the catalyst material inside falls apart and clogs the converter. This clogging typically causes a very rough-running condition and sometimes causes stalling. Replacing the catalytic converter on a 1991 Geo Storm is relatively straightforward.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the vehicle, using the floor jack. Support the vehicle by placing the jack beneath a secure part of the vehicle, like the sub-frame, and lowering the Storm until its weight is held by the stands.

2

Crawl beneath the vehicle, behind the front drivers-side wheel, until you reach the exhaust system. Locate the catalytic converter, the muffler-like component under the front seats.

3

Loosen and remove the nuts holding the front portion of the converter to the exhaust, using a ratchet and socket. If the nuts are frozen due to rust, use the propane torch to heat them up and try loosening them again. Push the converter towards the rear of the vehicle until the converter is clear of the studs holding it to the exhaust, then pull the converter down.

4

Loosen and remove the nuts holding the rear portion of the converter to the exhaust, using a ratchet and socket. If the nuts are frozen, use the propane torch to heat them up and try loosening them again. Pull the converter towards the front of the vehicle and off the exhaust system. Make certain to remove both the front and rear gasket from the exhaust pipes.

5

Place the new gaskets on the exhaust pipes, and use the studs on the pipes to hold the gaskets while installing the converter.

6

Place the front and rear of the catalytic converter on the exhaust pipe studs and hand-tighten the nuts on the studs. Make certain the "flow" arrow on the converter is pointing towards the rear of the exhaust.

7

Tighten the nuts on the converter to 32 foot-pounds, using the torque wrench and a socket.

8

Raise the Storm off of the jack stands, using the floor jack. Pull the stands from under the vehicle and lower it to the ground.

Catalytic converters are used in almost every modern internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) to filter toxic elements out of the engine exhaust. This mainly works by using a catalyst such as platinum or rhodium to chemically bond oxygen to the toxic chemicals, thus rendering them harmless and keeping them from being released into the atmosphere. Catalytic converters can be damaged by coolant leaks and overheating, and are sometimes stolen for the precious metals they contain, and since most countries require their use by law, they must be replaced immediately. They have a front inlet pipe and a rear outlet pipe, which can look similar. It is critical to identify which pipe is which before installation.

Instructions

1

Look up proper catalytic converter to buy for your make and model of car in a parts guide or at an auto shop, where it will have part catalogs for your car. The catalytic converter you purchase will be made specifically to fit your car.

2

Consult a diagram of your cars exhaust system once you have purchased the new converter, so that you can see where the converter needs to be installed. Note the shape of the converter and compare it to the diagram. This will tell you which pipe should face forward and which should face backwards. The forward-facing pipe is the inlet, and the rear-facing pipe is the outlet.

3

Mark the inlet and outlet on the new catalytic converter with a piece of chalk or a pencil so that, when you remove the old converter and get ready to install the new, you will immediately know which pipe goes forward (inlet) and which faces back (outlet).

Removing the catalytic converter from your Nissan Pathfinder allows for the replacement of it without having to replace other parts of the exhaust system. The converter is designed to reduce harmful emission or cases out the tailpipe of your Nissan, and if it is not working correctly, it needs to be replaced. A plugged converter may become very hot and often will cause the engine to run rough as well as producing an extremely unpleasant odor from the tailpipe.

Instructions

1

Place a jack under the front of your Pathfinder and raise it off the ground. Position a set jack stands under the front suspension to support the truck, then remove the jack for now.

2

Locate the catalytic converter from under the truck. It is in the exhaust system just below the drivers feet. Remove the two bolts in the rear flange that hold the exhaust pipe to the rear flange of the converter using a wrench.

3

Move to the front flange of the catalytic converter and remove the three retaining bolts with a wrench. Lower the catalytic converter and remove it from under the truck.

4

Raise a new catalytic converter into position and align the mounting flanges with the flanges on the exhaust pipes. Install the three front mounting bolts into the flange and tighten them with a wrench. Install the two mounting bolts into the rear flange and tighten them with a wrench.

5

Position the jack under the front of your Pathfinder and raise it off the jack stands. Remove the jack stands, then lower the Pathfinder to the ground.

Subaru Motors has employed multiple catalytic converters on its vehicles for many years now. Because the engine compartments are small and since the catalysts need heat to operate effectively, Subaru designed smaller converters and integrated them into the exhaust pipes--rather then employ a single, larger converter as most cars did at one time.

The Structure and Design

Many converters on Subarus begin at a front Y-pipe that bolts to both sides of the engine. In some newer applications, a third or fourth smaller converter is also integrated into the construction of the pipe. It is not uncommon to see yet another converter downstream integrated in the construction of an intermediate pipe. With so many converters, one of them is bound to need replacement at some point.

The walls of the shell on the Subaru converters are designed thin in order to reduce the resistance of exhaust gases. While this benefits the performance of the engine, it compromises the structural durability of the shell. In addition, since the converters are often integrated into the construction of the Y, or intermediate exhaust pipes, the pipe extensions can fail, requiring the replacement of the entire pipe and converter assembly.

Another more slightly annoying feature Subaru owners discover about the exhaust system on their vehicles are heat shield rattles. Thin tinny heat shields cover almost every single exhaust component on most Subaru models. These heat shields are susceptible to exposure and can break loose from connections and create annoying rattles while driving.

Cost

Because of the integration of the pipe and converter assemblies, Subaru converters are very expensive. The front Y-pipe assemblies can cost twice as much money to replace as the rear converter assembly. Many owners not savvy enough to do the work, will have to dish out money for labor installation as well.

While there are many quality aftermarket catalytic converter manufacturers these days, you can price the converters and pay less than half what the Subaru dealer will be asking. Finding a local repair station to install it for you will still save you money in the long run.

Although much cheaper, universal converters are not always an option when it comes to a Subaru. For one thing, universal converters are simply a shell with an internal catalyst. They need to be welded into the system are attached by clamps and sleeves. Because of the awkward angles and the small size of the Subaru converters--especially in the front Y-pipe--finding the right size and then welding it into the existing pipe without compromising how it needs to bolt to the engine and the remaining exhaust system is very difficult.

Internal Break Down

Subaru vehicles generally run well, and catalytic converters rarely fail unless something causes the damage. Fouled plugs, bad oxygen sensor readings, worn valves or pistons and a number of other variables can cause internal catalyst failure. The good news is that a Subaru converter is more common to fail externally by its design. The bad news is, if you dont take care of your Subaru and it causes damage to one or more of the converters, you now have a bigger problem. Buying and replacing the converters will be expensive enough. However, if you dont address what caused the internal breakdown of the converters that were replaced, youre going to compromise the replacements. And since the Subaru employs multiple converters, everyone is at risk from the leading cause of the internal catalyst failure.

Automotive enthusiasts use a straight catalytic converter, also known as a catless pipe, as a substitute for a conventional catalytic converter. This modification allows an engine to gain more power by eliminating back pressure.

Characteristics

A straight catalytic converter is an aluminized metal or stainless steel pipe, which varies in length and width depending on the vehicle. Automotive specialists use a catless pipe to determine whether a conventional catalytic converter is defective.

Function

As part of the engines exhaust system, a catalytic converter changes harmful emissions to carbon dioxide and water. Replacing a catalytic converter permanently with a catless pipe causes release of pollutants into the environment.

Significance

Because of their effects on the environment, straight catalytic converters are illegal. Instead of using a straight catalytic converter to enhance your cars performance, you can use exhaust headers and a free-flow cat system, an option that is safe and environmentally friendly.