[DeTomaso] [NPC] Catalytic Converters

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/14/06 13:54:18, thedrol at pobox.com writes:

<<  The guy at the muffler shop is telling me that 

the catalytic converter is "breaking up"  I'm not exactly sure what that 

means, but of course he is recommending that it get replaced. >>

>>>Cats physically break down with time, and wreak havoc with the exhaust 
flow.  In a worst-case scenario, they can fall apart completely, plug the exhaust 
system complete, and the car stops NOW and won't run.  That happened to PCNC 
member Rich James in his 84 Corvette on a drive home from the POCA Fun Rally, 
in Death Valley.  One minute everything is fine, the next minute, the motor 
just shuts down, because a big platinum cork has just been inserted into the 
exhaust.

If the cat on your car is truly falling apart, it might account for the poor 
running characteristics.  I think it's possible to just rap against it with 
your fist and if you hear junk rattling around, it's done.

I had a plugged-up cat on one of my Sciroccos.  It looked okay externally, did
n't rattle at all, but when you removed it and inspected it, you could see 
that the screen was about 80% plugged up, which both reduces its effectiveness 
(increasing emissions) and impacts exhaust flow (reducing power and economy).  
On any old car, new cats are usually a good idea.

Muffler shops make a fortune selling cats, as the mark-up can be severe.  
They also get a bunch of money recycling the old cats, so some unscrupulous shops 
will ALWAYS recommend a cat change--even for something like squeaky brakes! 
:>)

Mike