Date:         Tue, 29 Apr 2003 14:39:38 -0400
Reply-To:     ian Butler <ian@BLUEMOON.HPLX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         ian Butler <ian@BLUEMOON.HPLX.NET>
Subject:      Re: replace cat converter - tough job?
Comments: To: Steven Gross <sgross@SOCCCD.CC.CA.US>
In-Reply-To:  <3EAEBD9E.806@socccd.cc.ca.us>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

On Tue, 29 Apr 2003, Steven Gross wrote:

> Since this is a "no moving parts" kind of component and it's in an accessible
> place on the vehicle, what are the chances that I can get the converter from
> BusDepot for $100 + shipping and do it myself?  I'm no master mechanic, but
> I'm no moron either.
>
> Any reassurances or warnings appreciated.

Six bolts, fairly easy access.  You may need a special cutaway socket to
remove the O2 sensor from the old cat .. though you may also wish to just
replace that as well (I would.) You might as well replace the gaskets to
prevent leaks, as they're cheap and getting a leak before the O2 sensor is
bad juju.  And, while you're at it, put on stainless steel replacement
bolts; you'll be glad you did later.

I removed and reinstalled my cat in the parking lot in a couple hours with
no help last summer.  PB Blast helps a lot on the rust, too.

ian Butler / ian@bluemoon.hplx.net
'88 Scirocco 16v, '87 Syncro GL (in an increasingly large number of pieces)