Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance catalytic converter needs replacing?!

Can someone tell me whether I'm getting pimped or not. I just got my transmission rebuilt, and now they're telling me my catalytic converter is bad. I went up to the shop and when you try and give it gas it just shuts off, but they disconnected it and it would run just with EXTRA loud noise. I just paid 1800 dollars for my trans, and now they want 295 dollars for a new converter, does that price sound fair? I also asked them to just eliminate the converter and they would'nt do it, they said the car would not run properly. What should I do?

What year is your car? How many miles? It (cat converter) may still be under warranty from Ford.

It's a 1998 2.5 se with 91,000 miles on it.

Ahh...I think the warranty goes until 80,000 miles.

yeah, it sucks. I was planning on getting a new exhaust system, but I don't know if I should hold off or get it fixed. I have'nt had my car for two weeks now , and I can't afford a rental car much longer.

You are not supposed to do this... but ... as a temporary fix until you can get a new cat...

You can go under the car and disconnect the main cat yourself... 4 or 5 bolts, may be the same size as the spark plug socket... and use a hammer and metal rod or long drill etc. to remove the materials inside... OR at least to remove the material which is colgged which would be in the front of the cat, closest to the flex-pipe.... then get a used cat from a pull-it-yourself dismantler or whatever... in any case you can replace it yourself with just a pair of ramps and a wrench.

Oh yeah... yours will have O2 sensor to remove as well... once you've loosened the o2 sensor you can remove it by hand.... shouldn't need the special o2 sensor socket either.

I forgot to mention if you do this to wear a mask to filter the air you breathe and wear latex gloves and long sleeves if you can and wash well afterwards... The thought of breathing this junk is bad enough but to feel it itching on your skin is not pleasant either.

Thanks for the info, unfortunately I already had the work done this morning, so I'll be back on the road finally after two weeks and 2100 dollars! (1800 for trans,300 for converter)

300 seems kinda steep.

Geez, I just ordered one from www.catalyticconverter.net for about $100.