First of all let us tell a few raw prices of converter unlimited to answer the key question on the catalyst cost. After that we will have a detailed talk on pros and cons.
If the vehicle was produced before 80s then the converter unlimited will cost up to eight hundred dollars. The cost of a catalyst is about six hundred, but a labor cost will be added.
So keep it in mind that the older is the car the bigger sum you have to spend to race old catalyst.
Newer cars request even more money to replace converter unlimited , which will go even further to 2500 dollars.
If there is a chance to remove catalyst at home with proper tools, than there will be a way to save money, but sometimes there is no way to purchase a catalytic converter if you are not authorized for it.
In a meanwhile, one might think that to remove catalyst means to harm the environment.
On the other hand, this slightly increases power of motor, reduces fuel consumption, gets rid of regular alerts about problems.
The fused or clogged converter unlimited leads to the fact that exhaust gases cannot go outside and return to combustion chamber.
Combustible mixture that enters there becomes less efficient, and this negatively affects operation of motor.
Pros and Cons of converter unlimited removal with its following replacement
Why is it necessary to remove the converter unlimited?
Together with above mentioned dynamic characteristics of a car, as a bonus, the engine will become less sensitive to fuel quality, and you also eliminate the risk of ceramic dust getting inside the power plant. Old converter unlimited can be sold to recycling companies.
There are some negative consequences of catalyst removal:
- environmental factor;
- problems during car inspection;
- foul odor;
- extraneous sounds in exhaust system (if not removed correctly);
- errors on the display.
Consider important role of oxygen sensors cooperating with catalytic converters.
Their second name is lambda sensors. Usually they are instal in two places: one before and one after the converter unlimited. When the second sensor determines that the amount of harmful exhaust gases has increased to a critical level, it gives a signal that converter unlimited has not worked or is functioning inefficient. Some modern car models in this situation may not start.
The second lambda sensor carefully monitors harmful emissions, and their allowable amount is regulate by the EU. These are standards known as “EURO” (Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4, Euro-5). The EURO-5 standard is currently in operation, its emission standards are up to 0.05 g / km, CO – up to 0.8 g / km and NO – up to 0.06 g / km.
When the exhaust system is without a catalyst, oxygen sensors will detect more harmful emissions. Accordingly, you need to make sure that you do not feel the absence of this important detail.
There are various ways to repair of converter unlimited:
in some cases, the repair of catalyst is carried out, according to regulations, to a new catalyst. We tried to briefly outline the main pros and cons of various types of repair of converter unlimited .
Diagnostics of converter unlimited. In many cases, correct diagnosis of a catalyst allows you to understand the real cause of breakdown and not just change the catalyst. Usually converter unlimited error can catch fire literally from scratch. For example, a catalyst error can catch fire from damage or other part of exhaust system. It could just “shut down” the wiring or computer. Types of diagnostics that are offered: computer diagnostics (reading all errors and their analysis), endoscopy of converter unlimited (examination of the state of a catalyst), physical examination of exhaust system, measurement of purity of exhaust gases for compliance with EURO4, EURO5, EURO6 standards.
- Replacing converter unlimited with a new one. If you need a replacement of a catalyst, then it is a due time to sell the old one. You can choose a catalyst that suits you with its cost and its properties. This repair path is undeniably most correct, but the most unreliable in the long term, because after two thousand kilometers converter unlimited will again need to be replace. The main advantage is that exhaust gases will be clean.
- Replacing the converter unlimited with a flame arrester. This procedure has two popular names, one of them is “replacing catalyst with a flame arrester,” and the other is “removing the catalyst”. In this case, you get rid of catalyst and everything that is connected with it. But having remove it you will gain following consequences: exhaust sound will become loud, exhaust system will easily burn out.
- Rinsing, cleaning converter unlimited. In case of catalyst error has arise due to the fact that the catalyst clogge with combustion products, and this is the only reason why catalyst does not work. It is necessary to clean it and thereby remove any deposits. But if functional catalyst deposition layer has lost its properties, then this does not make sense, and replacement of catalyst by one of methods is require. Only diagnostics and inspection of the car can tell which is the best option for a converter unlimited
Service stations, will carry out exhaust system diagnostics in order to 100% determine whether it is worth cutting out the catalyst or, possibly to clean it. It is difficult to determine the cause of failure yourself.
One way is to dismantle part of exhaust system, including the converter unlimited and remove contents of catalyst. Usually several holes with a diameter of 20 mm made using a punch. This method has disadvantages: holes quickly become clogged again. But there are also positive aspects, since you do not have to cut metal and do welding.
Why one should remove and replace the converter unlimited?
If you need to cut out the catalyst, the price will depend on what you want to get on as a result. For those who are confuse with a choice, experts can advise the best repair option.
Take a look at general figures and prices of a converter unlimited repair and replacement cost for some common vehicle models. Find a way to save money, selling your old catalyst to a specialized recycling organization and gain a good money bonus for future investments.