lifespan of a catalytic converter?

[baja1]

how long are these really good for, and do leaking head gaskets cause their premature death? im replacing an engine and wondering if while the exhaust is unbolted I should just ditch the cat (no smog checks required) thanks!
(188K on this one)

 

[StreetCreeper]

how long are these really good for, and do leaking head gaskets cause their premature death? im replacing an engine and wondering if while the exhaust is unbolted I should just ditch the cat (no smog checks required) thanks!
(188K on this one)

Mine is nearing 21 years old on my 97 LTD (built in 96 though) and it's got 416,000 miles on it. It's failing though, last year I smogged the truck here in California and it literally took every single trick in the book to get it to pass smog (I'm cheap and knew I could probably get it to pass).

I have no illusions about it passing next year though. So I guess under the proper conditions, they can last up to about 20 years and 400k.

As for ditching the cat, I would imagine you might have a check engine light that never goes out or codes being thrown when the ECU doesn't detect the downstream o2 signal. Maybe there's ways around it — I don't know, just guessing.

 

[RS Dude]

Mine was stolen at around 290k miles, but just prior to the theft, I barely passed my Calif smog check. So mine would have just lasted a hair under 300k miles.:bravo:

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Wouldn't know. Mine was stolen, too, and it was originally from Cali, so it had the even more expensive cat. I <3 thieves.

 

[GhostRing]

I was getting egg smell but no CEL at about 220K (no smogging here in OR)

 

[TXLX1]

345k miles on my 97. Should last a long time absent running with a misfire. I wouldn't replace a working OEM cat with an aftermarket personally.

 

[diverscale]

it's no big deal really.

To replace your cat you can use a 100$ magnaflow, there is even one listed for our trucks.

Mine had a leak and that's what I did and it's working pretty well.

 

[baja1]

it's no big deal really.

To replace your cat you can use a 100$ magnaflow, there is even one listed for our trucks.

Mine had a leak and that's what I did and it's working pretty well.

you mean in addition to the stock muffler?

 

[habanero]

Replaced the cat at 247,xxx miles and at 17 years. After testing all the sensors and checking all sorts of things out this is what solved a pinging problem. I had a cali cat too, in the 96.

 

[85straight]

you mean in addition to the stock muffler?

Magnaflow makes hi-flow cats as well as mufflers.

 

[diverscale]

you mean in addition to the stock muffler?

A magnaflow cat, where you remove your OEM cat and put the magnaflow cat at its place.

 

[WallyWest]

As for ditching the cat, I would imagine you might have a check engine light that never goes out or codes being thrown when the ECU doesn't detect the downstream o2 signal. Maybe there's ways around it — I don't know, just guessing.

There's something you can get for that. I forget who makes it, but it's a box you plug into the connector for the downstream O2 sensor that tricks the computer into thinking everything is fine.

Very helpful I am. :biggrin1: