Catalytic converters
 

Well, it sounds like my '98 A4 2.8 needs new catalytic converters.

Has anyone replaced them themselves? The dealer here wants about
$1500 per side...

Oh, yes, I'm in California, USA, so all the 49 state legal ones that I
find at on-line stores are probably illegal here.
--

Re: Catalytic converters
 

I did it on my 1.8T, it's not a complicated job but there is very little access/clearance to get at some of the bolts, which are probably rusted/seized on, so its a b*** getting them off, and slightly less so torquing the new ones on. having a lift would definitely help, or at least jack up the car on all 4's as high as you can first, and spray penetrating oil on the nuts at least the night before (don't start the engine until you're finished). It helps to have a few ratchet extensions and swivel joints /swivel sockets, & a long handle swivel head 3/8" socket wrench.

For $1500 ea/ i'd get a second opinion. its possible there's a lot more in the way on the V6 that needs to be removed first, compared to the 1.8T, but its hard to imagine how it could take more than 1/2-day, or 1 day for a complete noob home mechanic.

What make you think you need new CAT's anyway? I though mine was dead too, turns out its just the O2 sensor, cat was fine.

Re: Catalytic converters
 

On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:58:54 UTC, frob
<frob.3h428q@no-mx.audiforum.ca> wrote:

>
> I did it on my 1.8T, it's not a complicated job but there is very little
> access/clearance to get at some of the bolts, which are probably
> rusted/seized on, so its a b*** getting them off, and slightly less so
> torquing the new ones on. having a lift would definitely help, or at
> least jack up the car on all 4's as high as you can first, and spray
> penetrating oil on the nuts at least the night before (don't start the
> engine until you're finished). It helps to have a few ratchet extensions
> and swivel joints /swivel sockets, & a long handle swivel head 3/8"
> socket wrench.
>
> For $1500 ea/ i'd get a second opinion. its possible there's a lot more
> in the way on the V6 that needs to be removed first, compared to the
> 1.8T, but its hard to imagine how it could take more than 1/2-day, or 1
> day for a complete noob home mechanic.

The problem is that the replacements don't seem to be available for
the CARB certified ones. If I lived in the other 49 states, it would
be easy.

> What make you think you need new CAT's anyway? I though mine was dead
> too, turns out its just the O2 sensor, cat was fine.

It's rattling and I checked with a mechanic that I trust. He says
that Audi wants abou $900 for the converter alone. "It's got platinum
in it" - says the Audi Service guy.

Thanks.

--

Re: Catalytic converters
 

$1500 thats too steep for a CAT convertor,anyhow it being dead is difficult,it hardly has any moving part,something else might be causing all the trouble

Re: Catalytic converters
 

what are the symptoms of a Cat that needs replacing?

I just had my car drive cleaned and it passed. But the codes say that it is below threshold.
Not really noticing any poor performance, but engine light is on.

Possibly burning a bit more gas than I should be 11L/100 in city

Just curious if anyone knows

Re: Catalytic converters
 

AFAIK
poor performance or increased emissions or sometimes a very foul odor.
can be visually inspected when removed or possibly the exhaust can be tested
before and after cat.

"davetremblett" <davetremblett.3tz18m@no-mx.audiforum.ca> wrote in message
news:davetremblett.3tz18m@no-mx.audiforum.ca...
>
> what are the symptoms of a Cat that needs replacing?
>
> I just had my car drive cleaned and it passed. But the codes say that
> it is below threshold.
> Not really noticing and poor performance, but engine light is on
>
> Just curious if anyone knows
>
>
> --
> davetremblett
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> davetremblett's Profile: https://www.audiforum.ca/members/davetremblett-10460/
> View this thread: https://www.audiforum.ca/audi-mailing-list-45/catalytic-converters-30426/
>

Re: Catalytic converters
 

On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:43:19 -0500, against all advice, something
compelled "dave AKA vwdoc1" <vwdoc1nospam@pleasehotmail.com>, to
say:

> AFAIK
> poor performance or increased emissions or sometimes a very foul odor.



A foul odor from a cat. Who would have thunk it.




--

Don't worry about people stealing an idea. If it's original, you will
have to ram it down their throats.
- Howard Aiken

Re: Catalytic converters
 

It may be old oxygen sensors. Here is an excellent article on the
issue. The converter is usually the victim and not the villain. So one
must also make sure the engine is properly tuned up and oxygen
sensors, if over 100K miles, considered replaced. If you can use Bosch
Planar type (such as #15738 but requires splicing old connector)
that's more resistant to contamination, use them. I'd stay away from
older thimbles or other makes like Denso.

http://www.motor.com/magazine/pdfs/012009_02.pdf

http://www.boschautoparts.com/Produc...nsors/PlanarO2


On Jun 17, 5:22 pm, davetremblett <davetremblett.3tz...@no-
mx.audiforum.ca> wrote:
> I just had my car drive cleaned and it passed. But the codes say that
> it is below threshold.
> Not really noticing and poor performance, but engine light is on
>
> Just curious if anyone knows
>
> --
> davetremblett
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> davetremblett's Profile:https://www.audiforum.ca/member.php?userid=10460
> View this thread:https://www.audiforum.ca/showthread.php?t=30426