What happens if you remove the Catalytic Converter?

[Scenic WonderRunner]

You will Fail the Smog Test in California. Until you comply with all of the Smog laws, you will Not be able to register your vehicle in CA.

I just had to put a new CAT and Oxygen Sensor on my 4Runner.

I found a Denso OS at Amazon. And I used a Magnaflow CARB Approved CAT.

Check for your model here.

http://www.magnaflow.com/


I found this site to have the best price on the CAT. I've used them before.

http://www.performancepeddler.com/


There is a new law in CA. that you Must Use a C.A.R.B. Approved Catalytic Converter or you also will not pass.

It's all just so strict, that you just have to follow the rules or else.

My truck passed the test with flying colors. With smog numbers like a new engine that it is.

It runs fine.



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I got the Universal fit, which just means the ends are open ended. I did not want the standard which has the flange/gasket/bolt up set up. This method has always leaked for me in the past.

So I got the Universal Fit".....no flange, which saves you money. And I told him to just weld it straight up!

You can see my Headers/two into one pipes just before the OS. I guess it's time to hit that with some hi~temp paint. He even made new rear hangers for me no extra charge. I have increased my pipes to 2.25" for better flow. Any larger would not allow enough back pressure.



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[R_Lefebvre]

I dunno about the paint. I painted a set of headers and exhaust once, and it didn't last that long. When they say "high temp paint" what they really mean is, if you idle the vehicle from the car hauler to the carpet at the car show, it will last. This was VHT 1600F header paint. I know my EGT's on the header were a little below 1600. And then I had a downpipe after the turbo which was definitely lower than 1600, and the paint lasted, I dunno, maybe a year.

 

[Hilldweller]

Unburned hydrocarbons can make a wonderful display though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkPeJRiBSc0

 

[R_Lefebvre]

That can be done on a catted vehicle. They inject fuel into the exhaust stream and use a spark plug to ignite it. Not sure why but... I don't understand most of the car show stuff that goes on.

 

[etbadger]

One issue with catalytic converters to be aware of when driving "offroad" is that they are often the hottest exposed part of the vehicle, as they work by combusting unburnt fuel and CO in the exhaust stream with extra oxygen. This can cause fires if driving over dry grass or bushes that reach up and touch the converter.

If your engine is missing, or otherwise running rich, the cat will get extremely hot.

When we stop, or setup camp in a grassy area, one of the first things I do is hop out and make sure no tall grass can touch our exhaust system, especially the converter. Often times the grass is already singed when I cut it down.

Here's a link describing the issue: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/air/mobilesource/vetech/catfire.html

-e

 

[BIGdaddy]

Al Gore will jump out of your trunk and beat you with a stick!

:coffeedrink:

 

[corax]

If your engine is missing, or otherwise running rich, the cat will get extremely hot.

Like this? I ran through a water hole a bit fast and filled the valley between the cams (where the s. plugs are) with water - 7 miles and a mountain pass later I stopped, this was 5 minutes after I shut it off, intially the entire exhaust including the muffler was glowing red. Needless to say the cat completely melted down and hollowed itself out. As soon as I get around to making a cover for the plugs though I have another cat to toss back on - the exhaust stinks without it

 

[Larry]

All this catalytic converter discussions makes one wonder why the hell anybody in their right mind would drop $40K+ for a 2007 or later diesel truck/Sportsmobile with a DPF. Corax’s red hot converter makes a DPF look like an ice box.