Catalytic Converter Replacement

[Bob]

Once again I managed to pop on here, and once again I have a question... My catalytic converter had decided it had had enough I guess... so I drilled a couple holes in it so at least it would move... The question is... with all those sensors and crap jammed in there, can I just put a resonator on? Or do I have to go and get a fancy pancy new converter which I was told to be prepared to spend $800+ to do?

...I have so much stuff to fix on my car it's not even funny.. I'd prefer not to drop a grand on fixing something that it is doing without... but the noise can be embarassing at times as it sounds like a propane forklift at the moment.

[LadybugEwa]

From what I've heard, you can get a generic cat, as long as it has a port for the O2 sensor. That would cut down on your cost dramatically. I know how creative we have to be sometimes trying to fix an older NB. For example, when my resonator was rotted out, I happened to find a sweet deal on a Remus muffler. Then I had that installed and the resonator removed and replaced with a straight pipe. The effect is an awesome sound, and it cost me about what it would for having just the resonator replaced by VW.
Best of luck with the repairs, Bob

[Smileybug]

There has been an extended warrenty put out on the cats for 12 years/120,000 miles IIRC. So if you are in that range, the dealer will do it for you for free and you will have a nice new cat!

[GatorBeetle]

If warranty is not an option an aftermarket cat works great, as long as they weld on a "bung" for the O2 sensor (yes, they call it a bung.) I have had mine for a couple of years, no problems!!

For the CAT, the work, and installing my cat back exhaust it was only $150!!
Exhaust work is CHEAP.

Rob

[vdubbugman53]

i have the full DP and Cat for sale. ALL OEM. 1500 miles for 220 plus shipping...it is a job you can do your self

[vdubbugman53]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

There has been an extended warrenty put out on the cats for 12 years/120,000 miles IIRC. So if you are in that range, the dealer will do it for you for free and you will have a nice new cat!

i think the holes he drilled might have voided that.

[GatorBeetle]

Originally Posted by vdubbugman53

i think the holes he drilled might have voided that.

Good point...but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do...I wish I had thought of drilling holes when I had my issues.

Believe me, I think even if I wasn't getting my exhaust installed, the $150 would have been worth it for the conveniennce of not having to put up with the Stealership, VWOA, etc. Plus I got a High Flow Cat which with the system really seems to do a good job!!

[Bob]

Thanks guys, I'll try talking to the idiots at the dealership first... But I wasn't going to get my car towed to the nearest dealership... After that I'll go to a different city to see about exhaust work as..well... the shops in this town have all proved to be incompetent...

[GatorBeetle]

I got lucky, I have a friend who races cars, and he was able to send me to a good shop.

[ImBuggin]

I just had mine replaced. The manufacturer's warrantee is good until 70 or 75 thousand miles. They checked it out and it failed, however, the hanger in the back failed first and they suggested to repair it now. They called me down from the lobby and told me that it would cost $98 to repair it now. I told them, "Why are you telling me this? Fix it now before I have to replace the Catalytic converter again." I was pleased they were so curtious. I am sure that they will consider the holed drilled in it against the warrantee, so I don't recommend that solution, but in a pinch, it sounds like it got you home. If any of you have a questionable cat, call the dealership and see if it is still under warrantee. I am glad that my partsman suggested it before I blew the $800.

[sassytexxan]

I'm hoping I can get some help on my convertor too. My check engine light came on, and when I went to the dealership, they told me it was not covered under the extended warrantee I wasted my money on, and I was over the 80000 mile limit (by 4000 miles!) so VW wouldn't pay for it. I got it replaced at a muffler shop with a "generic" for $200, but now the light came back on. They are now telling me the sensors are out and need replacing. Has anyone had problems with generic convertors? I want to make sure I don't waste $200 on sensors I don't need if the convertor wasn't right in the first place. Other problem is, the muffler shop manager is suddenly not returning my calls after I asked him to order the sensors (since it's supposedly special order). I also do NOT want to pay $1000-1200 on another convertor at the dealership! Too many other things I need to get fixed on this car a month after the warantee ended.