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What will I know the cat converter is shot?
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indy4192
User
Oct 2, 2009, 4:40 PM
Post #1 of 6
(1758 views)
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What will I know the cat converter is shot?
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1998 Ford Taurus/3.0/6cylinder/128000
Found out today that my engine is not worth repairing as I have low compression (75) in cylinders 2-6 and almost none in cylinder 1. A leak down test of cylinder 1 had air coming out the exhaust and the place where I put in the radiator flood. So the cost to repair everything would way more then just replacing the engine down the road. So I am going to drive the car till the engine goes. The mechanic said that could be 6 months, could be a year and that I will probably damage/destroy the cat first due to the unburned fuel getting into it. So How can I tell when the cat is close to going out? The mechnic said that since Indiana doesn't have emissions laws I will have longer then those states that do, but it will go.
So will I get a code saying it is shot? Will I be able to tell it when I drive?
What can it cost to replace the cat? Do muffalor shops do that?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 2, 2009, 5:31 PM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: What will I know the cat converter is shot?
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Yes - muffer shops and others replace converters.
If clogged it would behave like the exhaust restriction it could become and you would usually notice smooth, even loss of power at first.
If you use heavy viscosity oil or STP like things if not too cold where you are you could buy some time. Converters can last near forever if not called upon to "eat" too much wasted oils and gas,
T
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Oct 2, 2009, 6:42 PM
Post #3 of 6
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Re: What will I know the cat converter is shot?
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You've found out that the repairs to the car are more than the car is worth. You've wisely decided against putting that $$$$ into the car...... Good decision.
You're are planning to drive it until it doesn't drive anymore. There is no reason to worry about anything else on this car, codes, cats, transmissions.. nothing...... Drive it until it blows or you no longer feel safe driving it, scrape it and get a new ride.....
The diagnostic days are over for this Ford........
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indy4192
User
Oct 4, 2009, 12:25 PM
Post #4 of 6
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Re: What will I know the cat converter is shot?
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Well my thought is that the engine my last for a while and if the cat does go, I could replace it and keep driving. Also the mechanic said I need to get the radiator flushed because it is showing rust and that could cause it to freeze up if it get cold enough, so I will probably get that done again. I don't plan on spending any major bucks, but if replacing the cat isn't to bad and gets me another year driving the car that is time I can put money away.
BTW on average, what is the cost to put a rebuilt engine in a car?
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profleet
Novice
Oct 4, 2009, 6:04 PM
Post #5 of 6
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Re: What will I know the cat converter is shot?
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I believe that vehicle has 4 cats 2 for sure. So figuring out which one is bad is even fun for us with all the special tools at our disposal. A 98 vehicle does not have the ability to set catylist efficiency codes (cats are going bad, not able to process emissions correctly). More than likely the vehicle will start running worse than it is now and will be hard to accelerate over 55 mph. Average cost to replace your cats with after market set up would be 150-250 each cat. A shop might give you a break if you did the pair on one side.
An average engine install new around $4000 used $2000. Those vehicle are not fun to change engine's in and you would not want to change the engine unless you know you have good cats on the vehicle or you will burn up your motor. Unless that vehicle is in perfect condition otherwise it would be a bad idea to attempt a motor swap.
Definitely flush out the radiator if dirty, those cars had major coolant issues and recalls were listed for those vehicle for brown coolant problems. You can do this in your drive way if the Law permits!
link deleted...........not allowed
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Oct 4, 2009, 6:08 PM)
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indy4192
User
Oct 5, 2009, 11:11 AM
Post #6 of 6
(1710 views)
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Re: What will I know the cat converter is shot?
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Is there any thing I can do fairly cheaply to maximize the time I can keep this engine running?
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