Replace one Catalytic Converter?

[robot808]

Hello d-web,
When I bought my 96 D1 about 6 months ago, the PO had a brand new magnflow cat in a box in the back. He gave it to me with the purchase of the disco as he wouldn't have any need for it.
So my question is, should I have it installed? I can have it installed for under $50, but I am not sure if it makes any sense to install just one. If it only makes sense to install both at once, I will probably wait a while because I other issues I would spend the $$ on first.

So,

Throw it in there, what the heck.

or

Don't be an idiot wait until you get both.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[roverMc]

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[CandiMan]

It depends on why the bad cat failed. If you currently have a cat that's definately bad and causing driveability issues, then change that cat. I've not seen or heard of any rule indicating that cats should be changed in pairs. A perfectly functioning engine can have a cat that last indefinately.

Now if the cat failed due to a poorly running engine, then you can probably assume the other cat is not far behind before failing.

 

[fishEH]

It depends on why the bad cat failed. If you currently have a cat that's definately bad and causing driveability issues, then change that cat. I've not seen or heard of any rule indicating that cats should be changed in pairs. A perfectly functioning engine can have a cat that last indefinately.

Now if the cat failed due to a poorly running engine, then you can probably assume the other cat is not far behind before failing.

What would be some signs of failing cats?

 

[roverMc]

More than normal loss of power ascending hills is a good sign on most vehicles. If you've been driving it everyday for the last 6 months you should be able to tell if you are gradually losing power.

 

[CandiMan]

More than normal loss of power ascending hills is a good sign on most vehicles. If you've been driving it everyday for the last 6 months you should be able to tell if you are gradually losing power.

I would agree with this. A defective cat causes excess back pressure in the exhaust. Excess back pressure in the exhaust will not prevent the cylinders from expelling all the exhaust gases, which will prevent intake air from completely filling the cylinders.

When a cat fails internally, it's usually because the inside (catalyst) has broken apart and impedes exhaust flow. This can be associated with a rattling noise inside the cat. Another way a cat fails is when the internal catalyst gets clogged due to a poorly running engine dumping excess raw fuel into the cat. This failure will usually be associated with that rotten egg smell.

A perfectly functioning cat will have a outlet temperture that's hotter than the inlet temp.

 

[roverMc]

I would agree with this. A defective cat causes excess back pressure in the exhaust. Excess back pressure in the exhaust will not prevent the cylinders from expelling all the exhaust gases, which will prevent intake air from completely filling the cylinders.

When a cat fails internally, it's usually because the inside (catalyst) has broken apart and impedes exhaust flow. This can be associated with a rattling noise inside the cat. Another way a cat fails is when the internal catalyst gets clogged due to a poorly running engine dumping excess raw fuel into the cat. This failure will usually be associated with that rotten egg smell.

A perfectly functioning cat will have a outlet temperture that's hotter than the inlet temp.

Yep forgot about the rattle. I think that rotten egg smell is hydrogen sulfide.

 

[CandiMan]

Yep forgot about the rattle. I think that rotten egg smell is hydrogen sulfide.

You got me on the periodic chart of chemical elements.

 

[ptschram]

Hydrogen sulfide is a compound, not an element.

This is what can happen...

 

[roverMc]

Hydrogen sulfide is a compound, not an element.

This is what can happen...

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt141/ptschram/_896.jpg[/quote]

Been there seen that!