Date:         Mon, 25 Apr 2005 13:59:33 -0400
Reply-To:     Sam Walters <sam.cooks@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Sam Walters <sam.cooks@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: O2 Sensor in Catalytic Converter - Correct model for each FI
              system ?
In-Reply-To:  <05a701c549af$702c8f00$6001a8c0@C424264A>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

The original catalytic converter for an 84, and all 1.9l Digijet models,
did not have an O2 sensor hole.   The O2 sensor was upstream in the
collector pipe.

The original catalytic converter for 86 and up Vanagons, at all 2.1l
Digifant models, did have an O2 sensor hole and no hole in the J pipe.

So, I started to respond to the original email of this thread by
asserting that Bus Depot had sent the wrong part, but decided to do a
bit of research first, figuring that Ron might know something I didn't
or that may either would work for the Digijet system, etc.

Bus Depot and VolksCafe sell only one catalytic converter and their
search engines return that part when you search either for a Digijet or
Digifant model Vanagon.  It has the O2 sensor hole in it.  Bus Depot's
e-store shows you that the same Cat is specified for over a dozen
different VW models, both California approved and "regular" systems.

On the other hand, VanAgain, VW Parts Central, GoWesty, and BowWow all
sell two types of catalytic converter, one for the Digijet and one for
the Digifant.  Some even give you a choice of makes for one or both of
the systems.

Prices vary considerably, ranging from $99.95 to $199.95.  Odds are that
most regular readers of the list can make a good guess who has the
lowest and highest prices.  Some sites report list price as being close
to $1000, so from that perspective, all of these prices are good.

My guess, particularly after reading Mike Collum's post, is that the Cat
for the Digifant systems does the job for a Digijet system when the hole
is plugged properly.  And, I would conclude that it isn't true the other
way around as you need the Cat with the O2 sensor plug in it for proper
operation of the Digifant system.

But, will one of you who are more knowledgeable than I, clarify that
either will do equally well in the Digijet system, if indeed this is the
case, and that you have to use the correct one with the Digifant system.

Since two  people had the plug blow out, what is the plug you were sent
made of and how is it tightened.

Maybe we have covered this before, but I don't remember it coming up.

Sam

--
Sam Walters
Baltimore, MD

89 Syncro GL
85 Westy Weekender

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