Replace catalytic converter?

I own a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Conversion Van with 135,000 miles that has
recently been making a grinding noise. Upon review, my mechanic found the
noises were due to two unrelated problems: the transmission and the
catalytic converter. I am having the transmission rebuilt, so my question is
about the catalytic converter. Assuming the vehicle passes state (Texas)
emmissions standards, is there any reason to replace the catalytic
converter?

If there is a rattling noise from a honeycomb catalytic converter there is a good chance that it will crumble and clog up. If a tray with pellets type converter rattles it is usually just a loose tray and it will work OK.

Matthew wrote:
>
> I own a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Conversion Van with 135,000 miles that has
> recently been making a grinding noise. Upon review, my mechanic found the
> noises were due to two unrelated problems: the transmission and the
> catalytic converter. I am having the transmission rebuilt, so my question is
> about the catalytic converter. Assuming the vehicle passes state (Texas)
> emmissions standards, is there any reason to replace the catalytic
> converter?

--
Mike Walsh
West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.

Mike Walsh wrote:
> If there is a rattling noise from a honeycomb catalytic converter
there is a good chance that it will crumble and clog up. If a tray with
pellets type converter rattles it is usually just a loose tray and it
will work OK.
>
If this was 1975 I could name a few, but what automaker still put
pellets in the catalytic converter?

Kruse wrote:
>
> Mike Walsh wrote:
> > If there is a rattling noise from a honeycomb catalytic converter
> there is a good chance that it will crumble and clog up. If a tray with
> pellets type converter rattles it is usually just a loose tray and it
> will work OK.
> >
> If this was 1975 I could name a few, but what automaker still put
> pellets in the catalytic converter?

My '88 Pontiac had a bead-bed catalyst originally.

JazzMan
--
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JazzMan wrote:
> Kruse wrote:
> >

> My '88 Pontiac had a bead-bed catalyst originally.
>
> JazzMan
> --

Hmmm.... Due to efficiency, I thought they had switched to the
honeycomb long ago. I learned something new!!

Kruse wrote:

> JazzMan wrote:
>
>>Kruse wrote:
>>
>
>>My '88 Pontiac had a bead-bed catalyst originally.
>>
>>JazzMan
>>--
>
>
> Hmmm.... Due to efficiency, I thought they had switched to the
> honeycomb long ago. I learned something new!!
>

It's all relative. 1988 *was* 17 years ago, but please don't say that's
a long time in front of my car, I don't want it to start thinking it's
got an excuse to be finicky

nate

--
replace "fly" with "com" to reply.
http://home.comcast.net/~njnagel

On Wed, 2 Mar 2005, JazzMan wrote:

> My '88 Pontiac had a bead-bed catalyst originally.

That is highly doubtful. Are you *quite* sure? How do you know?

Daniel J. Stern wrote:
>
> On Wed, 2 Mar 2005, JazzMan wrote:
>
> > My '88 Pontiac had a bead-bed catalyst originally.
>
> That is highly doubtful. Are you *quite* sure? How do you know?

Because I cut the original, plugged up catalyst off three
years back and replaced it with a monolith.

JazzMan
--
************************************************** ********
Please reply to jsavage"at"airmail.net.
Curse those darned bulk e-mailers!
************************************************** ********
"Rats and roaches live by competition under the laws of
supply and demand. It is the privilege of human beings to
live under the laws of justice and mercy." - Wendell Berry
************************************************** ********

Mike Walsh > wrote in message
...
>
> If there is a rattling noise from a honeycomb catalytic converter there is
a good chance that it will crumble and clog up. If a tray with pellets type
converter rattles it is usually just a loose tray and it will work OK.
>
In my van the catalytic converter is actually two honeycomb pieces. Only the
rear piece was damaged. The mechanic was able to remove the pieces causing
the clog and subsequent noise without hindering too much (I hope) the
emission control. At any rate, there is no visible smoking or leaking from
the tailpipe.

Oh, and the charge for this service, free! If you're in the El Paso area and
need a mechanic recommendation I've got a good one for you.
--
Matthew
To reply by e-mail, heat things up a bit.

On Fri, 4 Mar 2005, Matthew wrote:

> In my van the catalytic converter is actually two honeycomb pieces. Only
> the rear piece was damaged. The mechanic was able to remove the pieces
> causing the clog and subsequent noise without hindering too much (I
> hope) the emission control.

Bzzt!

The front biscuit reduces NOx into Oxygen and Nitrogen. The rear biscuit
oxidizes hydrocarbons and Carbon Monoxide into water and Carbon Dioxide.
By removing the rear biscuit, your "mechanic" not only practically
guaranteed you'll flunk your next emission test, but he also violated
Federal law.

> Oh, and the charge for this service, free! If you're in the El Paso area
> and need a mechanic recommendation I've got a good one for you.

Sure doesn't sound like it.