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Can a bad distributor fry my catalytic converter?


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rob_man1
New User

Aug 17, 2006, 6:38 PM

Post #1 of 5 (2694 views)
Can a bad distributor fry my catalytic converter? Sign In

Got a good one for you experts, would appreciate any opinions or feedback on this issue... i will keep it as short as possible.

'97 Chrysler Sebring (77K), overheating at low RPMs... took it in for repair... diagnosed as a bad freeze plug. Following work also done at same time:

Timing Belt replaced
Water Pump replaced
Thermostat replaced
Full tune-up also done (cop, rotors, plugs, etc)

Drove the car out of the shop... 3 days and about 50 miles later car won;t go when gas is pressed... tow back to dealer

Dealer diagnosis: catalytic converter fails, claims caused by original overheating issue.

Here's where it gets weird...

after replacing it, symptoms aren't any better... they find a broken piece in the distributor (attached picture A to show good distributor with piece circled that was broken, pic B is my distributor with piece broken). They say this let sparks into the distributor which caused arcing to the engine, which in turn caused the computer timing to adjust way down and no go for el carro... they claim heat caused the peice to fail as well.

So... how is it I was able tro drive the car at all? sounds like the piece broke after the repair... and if so, I need to know if the work done in the distributor (replacing rotor) could have caused this, and would this have caused the catalytic converter failure because of fuel moving through it?

Thanx... ask me for any details... i appreciate this... I paid over $2K for repair #1, and don;t think I should be stuck with repair #2 (another $1500)... they supposedly warranty parts and labor for 12K/1 year

THANK YOU!!!


(This post was edited by rob_man1 on Aug 17, 2006, 7:02 PM)
  attachment icon bad_distributor.gif (66.7 KB)
  attachment icon good_distributor.gif (62.6 KB)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 18, 2006, 9:27 AM

Post #2 of 5 (2676 views)
Re: Can a bad distributor fry my catalytic converter? Sign In

If the car is running well right now just drive it for a while. YES a poorly running engine from whatever cause can wreck a converter. Many can clean themselves up but the lack of power indicates a real problem. Vacuum testing can proove that it's junk and I feel bad for you after spending so much money already. Are you comfortable that this shop is playing fair with you? T



rob_man1
New User

Aug 19, 2006, 12:40 PM

Post #3 of 5 (2669 views)
Re: Can a bad distributor fry my catalytic converter? Sign In

No, I am not comfortable with it, I am trying to figure out if I have a leg to stand on if I go after them for the 2nd repair... I think the distributor was probabaly their fault... and I am trying to figure out if that would also cause the catalytic converter to fail... so I am trying to figure out if it is possible for a mechanic to screw up replacing a rotor to the point where it strikes the plastic housing and thus causing it to break off... they tried to make it appear as if it was already broken, but how would I have driven it at all if it were, the symptoms are directly related to the piece not being there...

lastly, is there anyway to tell if a failed catalyic converter was from overheating, coolant, or gasoline?

~Rob


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 19, 2006, 3:22 PM

Post #4 of 5 (2664 views)
Re: Can a bad distributor fry my catalytic converter? Sign In

It's not right and not fair but the world isn't. It will be damn hard to proove anything!! I suggest you simply ask an owner or manager of the shop about your problems and keep cool.

Even here in the most customer friendly state of Massachusetts I've only even heard of one person who did get away with beating up a shop.

This is the most complained about biz that exists. I will defend it in general that almost everyone wants you to be happy and they DO good honest work.

If you really have a problem and it happens call you local better buisiness bureau and state your case and don't recommend the shop to friends.

One more: An overheated car can cause some problems that don't show up right away.

I hope you are satisfied with explainations from your shop. They'll know if something is their responsibility, T



rob_man1
New User

Aug 19, 2006, 4:42 PM

Post #5 of 5 (2662 views)
Re: Can a bad distributor fry my catalytic converter? Sign In

Thank you for the advice. Their explanations don't add up... the whole experience with them has been lousy (dealership - go figure)






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