Speaking of catalytic converters

Just read through a 2013 thread, "Catalytic Converter RIPOFF", and decided to join tacomaworld. I was just told today by a muffler shop that my cat had died and that I was looking at >$2K to replace it. High cost due to expense (~$1500) of the unit itself. I called around and did a bit of reading, all of which seemed to support these high costs ("palladium, platinum, etc worth much more than gold . . ."). Then I found a local auto parts chain that sold a cat for my 2008 Corolla for ~$200. Then I read the 2013 forum. I get one of the points made: you get what you pay for. But I have an added question. Is it ok to buy a cheapie cat for a vehicle that likely only has a limited lifetime left? (I've now put on only 75,000 kilometers in 14 years and figure it will make it to 100,000 kilometers/20 years). I mean instead of a $1,000 high end model?

 

Welcome to Corolla World!

 

A bit of interesting info I found was that the reason cats “fail” is that the element is tide gets clogged with carbon buildup and it no longer works as efficiently as it did when new. A few you tubers removed their cat and washed it and were able to clear CELs that way. Food for thought if you’re able to unbolt the cat and soak it overnight.

I had previously used a fuel additive from Rislone specifically made to clean cats and it worked to clear an engine code on a previous car.

 

Thanks GHOST. The muffler shop told me my cat died because of the salt they slather on our roads during the cold Canadian winters. But when I have my own mechanic eyeball my cat I'll ask him about what you're suggesting.

 

It will depend on why your cat failed, and if your emissions label says meets california state emissions.
It will also on if you have good or bad o2 sensors, in addition if you are leaking coolant internally you will quickly destroy any cat you install.

No one here on the internet can give you a quick answer with out alot of data.


Or I could work at some parts houses and say "yeah that'll fix er."

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I don't know what smog testing is like in Canada or if you even have to do it, but many of the dirt cheap aftermarket cats do not meet emissions requirements (here in the States anyway). If the person doesn't live where smog tests are mandatory then it doesn't matter. But I certainly wouldn't expect a cheap cat to last as long as an OEM one