Catalytic Converter Problems :(

i have a 2001 honda civic ex with cat probs. Just moved to Cali so i
cant get an aftermarket cat. Dont know if i should take it off and
ripp around like a bandit or take it off and get it repaired so i can
pass inspection....just dont know. i do know that the old cat is
hurting my engine so any feedback would be excellent

thx,
Johnner

 

wrote in @p10g2000cwp.googlegroups.com:

What's the specific problem?

 

its throwing the check engine light code for catalytic converter
because i took too long replacing the o2 sensor. i am not sure of the
specific problem, so i am wondering, what would be the best course of
action: 1) take my cat conv off until inspection? (would it hurt my
engine, would i get pulled over, etc.) 2) also i was thinking about
taking my car into a local cat shop but they dont do the labor for
taking it off, so i also need to know how to take the cat off.

thx,
johnner

 

wrote in

SO... What's the code?
P0420?
P1245657890?
Cough it up.

When did this start?
Did you replace the secondary O2 sensor or the primary?
Why was the O2 sensor replaced?
Has anyone checked for exhaust system leaks, cracked exhaust manifold?

How do you know that's the reason? And which sensor? What was the actual
code?

Then you are embarking on an expensive experiment that may lead you
absolutely nowhere except to a thinner wallet.

Jeez, before you go running yourself directly into the nearest brick
wall, HELP US HELP YOU. This means giving DETAILS.

 

word. may take a few--i'll get the info.
thx

 

Depending on your mileage, it might be covered under your
emissions warrenty, take it to the dealer and have him check..
Your talking about a $1000, asking won't hurt!>

 

what's the problem?

rubbish. aftermarket catalysts are perfectly legal here - if they meet
spec.

fix the sensors and see what happens first.

a catalyst cannot hurt the engine.

 

ok. the code is P0420.

 

its got 105K

 

so i taking the car to a part shop that said they will put on a used
cat for $250, what do u think?

 

wrote in

"Cat efficiency below threshold".

This error _may_ in fact be due to degradation of the cat. However...

Surely you are aware that you are covered under a Federal EPA warranty for
eight years or 80,000 miles for the cat? If you are under 80K and the cat
is original, you are in line for a new FREE cat! Bingo bango, we have a
winner! See your local Honda dealer.

If you're out of the Federal warranty, see here for some other suggestions:
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/p0420.html

 

wrote in @s48g2000cws.googlegroups.com:

Is it certified?

 

ive got 105K but i found a guy that would put in a
reconditioned cat for $250. how easy it to just buy the cat off him
and put it in myself?

 

oh i didnt see the last comment, well im not sure, i just had a quick
convo with them, but i did ask would it be pass the emissions test,
and they said ya. but tomorrow i will get the full details, thanks man
you've been a great help
johnner

 

$250 for a used catalyst??? that's almost the same price as a new
one!!! RUN, don't walk, away from these hosers as fast as you can.
it's most likely it's not a catalyst problem, simply a sensor problem.

get your ass on over to someone that knows about cars, not someone that
wants you to just give them money for nothing.

http://replacement.autopartswarehouse.com/parts/autopartswarehouse/wizard.jsp?year=2001&make=HO&model=CVC-EX2-003&category=All&part=Catalytic%20Converter&dp=true

 

hummm......thx. i was about to go. i have a feeling it is a cat
problem because i drove around for about 2-3 weeks with a bad o2
sensor. would that have busted the cat up? Does it hurt the engine if
indeed the cat is messed up and i am driving around on it?

thx,
johnner

 

wrote in

Not very likely. The cat is pretty robust and can handle _quite a lot_ of
excess fuel without permanent damage. It will handle fuel economy as bad as
10mpg without getting wrecked.

The reason your ECM is telling you the cat is bad is because it sees
excessive flip-flopping from the downstream oxygen sensor, which means
excessive oxygen in the gases exiting the cat. No other reason.

If you haven't got an exhaust leak somewhere between the primary sensor and
the cat, and the cat isn't coated with crud, then it's porobably really
bad. Oxygen sensors as a rule do not go bad by becoming MORE sensitive.

A twist: Some models had problems with bad connections to the igniter.
Strangely enough, this resulted in a P0420 error. Honda has issued a TSB on
that. It does not cover your vehicle, though.

As jim beam has already said: NO. A bad engine can wreck a cat; a bad
cat can't wreck an engine.

 

Or between the cat and the secondary. A leak there will also introduce
excessive oxygen.