Dead cat

[Disco-very]

98' D1 - noticed a horrible rattling while idling from the bottom of the motor. My first thought was oh shit, a rod getting ready to exit the side of the block. After listening carefully and poking around underneath, I believe this noise is coming from the driver side catalytic converter. I can't say for sure, but I think that is where it is coming from. It sounds like somebody shaking marbles in a slightly padded tin can, changes slightly with RPM changes. I can't hear it while driving as the tires and the rest of the truck falling apart make too much noise. Motor runs fine, no CEL or other offensive things going on.

Is it possible that the cat's guts are rattling around inside? How will the truck run, codes, etc if I cut the possibly offending cat off and weld in a straight pipe? Legal disclaimer, truck is used only off road

FWIW, the cat in question appears to be OE LR parts. The cat on the passenger side looks different, maybe aftermarket, IDK, bought the truck a year ago and have been lucky enough not to have too many issues with it.

 

[honda50r]

Sounds just like that, the combs are coming loose. The two cats differ slightly in looks

 

[msggunny]

Damn, I was hoping to see some pictures of dead pussy.

 

[TOM R]

My drivers side went bad first, the interior breaks into pieces and clogs when you replace them the old ones are worth $

 

[Disco-very]

So it sounds like I'm on the right track with the cats. What is going to happen with engine management when they go away?

 

[TOM R]

You must have them if you get emission inspection, if not then just need to make or buy spacers to get the down streams out of the pipes so they do not know the cats are there, if not you will get bad cat codes forever

I did this and do not get cat codes

 

[Disco-very]

You must have them if you get emission inspection, if not then just need to make or buy spacers to get the down streams out of the pipes so they do not know the cats are there, if not you will get bad cat codes forever

I did this and do not get cat codes

No emissions where I'm at so that is not an issue.

What are you referring to making the spacers for and moving them down stream?

 

[smrover1]

After a year of rattling mine finally quit. The chunk either got stuck somewhere or blew out who knows?

 

[TOM R]

Remove cats,make pipe to take their place

Get or make something like the spark plug anti foulers, screw em into pipes where down streams go, screw in down streams now sensors not in pipe not in exhaust gases

 

[11b4v]

My drivers side quit last week, exactly as you described. I just finished installing a new set of Magnaflow cats with y pipe last night. test run was my trip to work this morning with no CEL's

Got that new cat smell going on from under the truck now.

for 2 bills, plus your local muffler shop install fee, you too could enjoy the new cat smell!