This is a can of worms. My converter is at the recyclers, and the rear end of the Van is free and clear.

I wrestled with all the morality of it, and decided that I might effect the environment in a detrimental way only if the engine wasn't running correctly. To help me sleep at night I do the following:

1. Motor tuned (timed, Bosch Platinum 4's, New Wires, KEN, Syntec, and regular injector cleaner).
2. I get better mileage and performance with catty gone.
3. Air pressure in all four tires checked regularly.
4. I run Oxygenated fuel - 90 octane.
5. My Van doesn't leak or burn oil - and regular oil changes with oil properly recycled - filter, too.
6. I'm driving an 18 year old car that other would have junked eight years earlier - the positive environmental impact from that alone has got to count for more than 100% of any problem created by lost catty.

Pros: I get better mileage, I would say that the motor is running the best it has in years. My vehicle as a result may run longer, and cooler too. Cons: Because my state doesn't have testing anymore, I don't know what gas %'s are leaving the vehicle. I'm knowingly breaking the law. It's not the only one, but I guess my dirty little secrets are no Cat, and the occasional joint.

There it is - who knows? I may burn in hell for it someday. Until then, my delusion is complete.

AB

Gerald Masar wrote:

LEGAL, MORAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES ASIDE,     what are the pros and cons of
gutting the cat. converter?
There was something on the list about this awhile back, but I can't find the
info in the archives. For awhile now, especially in the summer heat, the
whole area around the back of the engine compartment, the bumper, cowling,
lic. plate, etc. have been too hot to touch, even after a short drive. The
van itself, a '90 Westy, is running normally. Good gas mileage (for a van
with 134k miles) and the temp. gauge is just over the top edge of the LED.
The O2 sensor was changed just a few months ago for a new Bosch OEM unit. To
my knowledge, it has never been in a "running rich" situation.
I understand the cat. can get clogged. I am taking it off this weekend to
check it out.
Comments?
Thanks,
Jerry