Date:         Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:27:22 -0400
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Expected, normal, lifetime for the catalytic converter?
Comments: To: Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed; delsp=no

I don't personally know, but when I've asked personnel at muffler shops
about the catalytic converter on my van (considerably more miles than
yours), they've told me that they almost never go bad, and that if the
van is running well, it is very unlikely to be bad.  Seemed to me that
that answer was sort of pat, but then, those guys make a little if they
sell me a converter.  I did think the catalyst itself could be bad
without the converter being plugged, but, how would you know that?  I
guess the oxygen sensor would give a signal that caused a running
problem?  Maybe idling wrong?  I am a stickler for keeping everything in
order so (1) the vehicle runs well, and (2) the thing doesn't pollute
any more than necessary.

Why can't you just pull the thing (or have it done) and look at the
insides, if you are seriously concerned?

Dave McNeely


On Fri, Oct 23, 2009 at 10:02 AM, Rocket J Squirrel wrote:

> Assuming a properly-tuned engine, average driving habits, etc., how
> many
> miles could one expect the cat to normally last? Does time alone also
> age
> the thing? Say on a 1984 vehicle with 80,000 miles, for example.
>
> Putting together my muffler shopping list and don't want to buy a cat
> if I
> don't need one ($100 - $150 USD), and don't have the luxury to pull it
> and
> inspect it ahead of time.
>
> --
> Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
> 84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> 74 Westrailia: (Ladybug Trailer company, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
> Bend, OR
> KG6RCR