New Catalytic Converter

Got a new Catalytic Converter. The old came out easy. Got me a new Harbor Freight Electrical Impact Driver. So I was ready to put the new one back into the car...except I don't have the seals.

Here is the picture:
Attachment 8812

I see an inset that goes around a channel on the converter. Should I have gotten that in the box? I did order seals they have not arrived (damn you post office) and they were drop shipped from someplace other than my converter.

Also here is a picture of the working end of my old converter.
Attachment 8813
Can people clean up the gunk on the converter and extend the life of them?

I found the gasket, should I have ordered these:
More Information for FEL-PRO 61473

No, you can't clean em up and reuse them, but they're worth a fair bit of money at your local scrapper.

I just used the gaskets I bought. I could not find the ring gasket locally. I will let you guys know if they are any good.

that looks like a crush ring, i honestly find it odd it would have that and a gasket together. But I guess nothing should surprise us now.. redundancy.

I would think it would be ok, usually new crush ring type gasket helps with imperfect surfaces for reattachment, but since you used a new cat. You are probably fine with just a gasket.

I dont understand why you bought a new one though? Your old one looks fine.. when they are shot, they typically look like mud. Your honeycomb still even looks intact. Can you shine a light through it?

(edit, i see you say working end.. what did the other side look like?)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by petrified.rabbit

I don't understand why you bought a new one though? Your old one looks fine.. when they are shot, they typically look like mud. Your honeycomb still even looks intact. Can you shine a light through it?

(edit, i see you say working end.. what did the other side look like?)

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I could shine a light through my old one. The working end was the engine side and the aft end was still white. I replaced due to a P0430 code. Once after all this work I might find a I have a bad sensor....arrgh. I went ahead and ordered since I had the front completely apart.

Maybe I need to clean the O2 sensor. Does this trick work by using a torch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfJ_Jwf_Sa4

I know when I got mine it came with new metal crush ring seals. Maybe they forgot them in the box?? I had to do mine due to the big hole in it, and code P0420. I would think a gasket would work just fine if the rings are not reusable from the old cat.

Never tried the torch trick, I always just replace them in the hopes of getting better MPG to offset the cost a bit. Not to sound like a salesman LOL.

I might have found the issue with the catalytic convertor today. While I was working tonight, I noticed a discolorations and I think I have a crack.

Attachment 8876

Close up the crack.
Attachment 8877

I most have been smoking something. So would a crack like this cause a engine code?

Since it is not super black, assuming you did not clean it, it might just be a surface crack and is not letting gasses escape? I know the manifold on my LS was pretty putrefied looking in the center like that, but it was not leaking any gasses that I could tell. Looks just like grey iron around the area, and no carbon, unless it is just burned off. Do you recall hearing an exhaust leak? It would be pretty noticeable if it does leak.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 06T200

Do you recall hearing an exhaust leak? It would be pretty noticeable if it does leak.

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Going to have to put it back together and test it without the heat shield.

just weld the crack shut while you have access. shine the metal up with a cut off wheel, turn the heat up and weld it shut.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by petrified.rabbit

just weld the crack shut while you have access. shine the metal up with a cut off wheel, turn the heat up and weld it shut.

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Found this article that might do the trick. There is a welding place in Seneca that may have this wire:
MIG welding cast iron exhaust manifold.

Hi
I have a mechanic say my 04 is needing a catalytic converter. How do I replace e it myself? where is it pictures?
Should i just buy any catalytic converter or do I need to go with a oem?
Thanks

Hey long as your in everyplace else except California, you can just buy one and install your self. The CAT uses an O-ring seal, buy those when you get one. Don't buy OEM unless you want to spend a f'ng fortune.

Just BB blast the nuts and let them soak before you pull everything apart.
1) Remove the O2 sensor
2) Remove the shield
3) Remove the top nuts
4) Remove the bottom bracket
5) Remove the rest of the bottom nuts

There it's removed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 06T200

Since it is not super black, assuming you did not clean it, it might just be a surface crack and is not letting gasses escape? I know the manifold on my LS was pretty putrefied looking in the center like that, but it was not leaking any gasses that I could tell. Looks just like grey iron around the area, and no carbon, unless it is just burned off. Do you recall hearing an exhaust leak? It would be pretty noticeable if it does leak.

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Just an update on this thread since a newb activated it. My exhaust header does have a crack all the way through. Now I have it off I guess I will learn to weld cast iron.

[QUOTE=xintersecty;194516]Hey long as your in everyplace else except California, you can just buy one and install your self. The CAT uses an O-ring seal, buy those when you get one. Don't buy OEM unless you want to spend a f'ng fortune.

Does this car only have one cat?

The no name ones on ebay are ok to buy?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by uwintoday

The no name ones on ebay are ok to buy?

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There is only one CAT and two O2 Sensors before and after. Do not buy a no-name on ebay. A CAT is a critical component and it's dependent on the quality of the chemical inside the CAT. So I would buy a better name brand from a better supplier.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by xintersecty

There is only one CAT and two O2 Sensors before and after. Do not buy a no-name on ebay. A CAT is a critical component and it's dependent on the quality of the chemical inside the CAT. So I would buy a better name brand from a better supplier.

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DAVICO MANUFACTURING $160 Direct-Fit


EASTERN CATALYTIC $200 Direct-Fit

BOSAL $230 Direct-Fit

WALKER Part $230 Direct-Fit

Magnaflow $320 Direct-Fit

What are the top three?

The bosal and walker look like a good price and quality.