About Catalytic Converters

[Cristobal]

I want your opinions as to how long catalytic converters usually last.

The Beast has about 153,000 miles on it and passed smog inspection today. It is a 1996 Toyota Avalon.

The problem is, the Hydrocarbon reading barely passed, and was much better two years ago. I think the catalytic converters are wearing out. I bet when the car is smogged two years from now, it will fail. This car has seen lots of high speed driving in very hot conditions, and before I had it, my late Mom & Pop drove it, under conditions unknown to me.

A new CAT is mandated by Calif., as they don't allow used ones. Toyota CATS are out of the question due to price, so I will go aftermarket in about June, 2013.

 

[mechtech2]

How long will YOURS last?
Or someone else's?

 

[Cristobal]

Both.

 

[JimPghPA]

Or it might be time for a new set of spark-plugs.

 

[HTSS_TR]

My 18 years old LS400 has more than 270k miles on odometer just passed smog check 2-3 weeks ago with flying color. About 6-8 years ago it almost didn't pass smog check, I used 1 bottle Redline SL-1 in the gas tank a month before the next smog check, it then passed with less than 10% allowed. That LS400 had original front O2 sensors, the 2 rear were replaced with Denso O2 sensors a year or two ago.

 

[daves66nova]

Hey cristobal, I'm in whittier

 

[alunsy21]

this is another reason im glad i live in tn! cat deletes all the time!

 

[exranger06]

Originally Posted By: austinlunsford
this is another reason im glad i live in tn! cat deletes all the time!

Removing cats is a federal crime and is illegal in all 50 states. It doesn't matter if your area doesn't do emissions testing, it's still illegal. Thanks so much for polluting the air all of us breathe, it's so very considerate of you.

 

[supton]

Try new plugs and new O2 sensors first (cheaper). You may be hosed on the cat: I have not heard good thing about aftermarket cats for Toyotas, at least not for the later model Toyota's.

 

[powayroger]

How you drive it I think is the bigf thing. Short quick trips will cut it's life. Trips where the vehicle warms up all teh way is best. Freeway driving, long hauls.

 

[The_Jeff]

Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
Or it might be time for a new set of spark-plugs.


+1, HCs are "just" incomplete combustion, not improper conversion. Have also heard good things about a new oil change just before going in, to "soak up" stuff like a sponge.

Though illegal, if you got your hands on a used cat, and held on to it, it might appreciate in value (Platinum) and you could find someone to pre-test you out of the system in two years so you'll know if you need to put it on or not.

 

[Vikas]

If it is bad HC reading, then the chances are your car is not in tune properly and/or the engine was not warm enough. Please post all the readings from the test.

 

[Chris142]

Usually when a Cat fails the NOX readings are very high. I don't think your looking at a Cat .Maybe a full tuneup instead.

 

[Trav]

NOx is caused by high combustion system temperatures.
Failed or blocked EGR, vacuum leaks, late timing etc can all contribute to high combustion temperatures.
Increasing the octane rating can also lower combustion chamber temps by preventing detonation and by default lower NOx readings.

Too many good cats are thrown away for the wrong reasons.

 

[MI_Roger]

I don't think California will allow aftermarket catalytic converters. Hopefully yours has not failed, but if it has I think you will be required to replace it with a Toyota brand, or EXACT replica, unit.

 

[vssjim]

HC"s high are more likely, tune up needed with plugs, clean pcv and t body and change oil. Also if the cat was bad P0420 and P0430 cat codes will show. I'm sure new cats would lower some numbers but tune up first with also some Techron doses for a good matter of fact.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Trav
NOx is caused by high combustion system temperatures.
Failed or blocked EGR, vacuum leaks, late timing etc can all contribute to high combustion temperatures.
Increasing the octane rating can also lower combustion chamber temps by preventing detonation and by default lower NOx readings.

Too many good cats are thrown away for the wrong reasons.


NOx also shows up due to improperly operating reduction catalysts. Been there, done that on my 318i.

To the OP, if you go aftermarket, dont expect the performance to differ from your failing cat. Yes, been through that. Save the money and do it right. Go to another state and swap a used one if need be.

 

[Trav]

Eastern makes very high quality CARB approved cats, much cheaper than OEM Toyota.

 

[vssjim]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Eastern makes very high quality CARB approved cats, much cheaper than OEM Toyota.
\

I think Cal. as a state law makes them come from OE Dealers only. More [censored] from the left coast.

 

[paulo57509]

Originally Posted By: MI_Roger
I don't think California will allow aftermarket catalytic converters. Hopefully yours has not failed, but if it has I think you will be required to replace it with a Toyota brand, or EXACT replica, unit.


California allows the sale and installation of aftermarket cats. The cat has to be "certified" CA compliant and is required to be stamped with a CARB exemption number (I think that's what it's called).

Here's my Magnaflow install:

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/installed-new-catalytic-converter.144093/

Shop around. CA compliant cats aren't selling at MSRP as far as I can tell. I went to Magnaflow's website, got their part number and started looking. An ebay seller had the best price.