New catalytic convertor necessary?

[jadek]

It's time for a new muffler on my husband's 95 XJ, and we are wondering if we also need to replace the catalytic convertor. The cat is bad, but we don't have any emissions tests to undergo. (On my 94 XJ with 256k+ miles, we put a new muffler on and left the old cat in place because we didn't have the $$ for a new cat at the time.)

My question for you guys: other than the environmental impact, is there any reason a bad cat needs to be replaced? i.e., will the old one harm the vehicle in any way?

[fredjacksonsan]

As long as the old cat flows, I'd leave it be. With older cats they matrix inside can sometimes crack (making it rattle as the chunks move around) and possibly block your exhaust. But if it's not rattling and you don't have an exhaust restriction, I'd say leave it.

[citizen@large]

x2 for that. You can reach under and shake/bang on the cat and listen for a rattle that way. Make sure it's cool 1st, or wear a glove.

[Scrapper]

i'd replace it if your going too keep driving it.but that's just my O. P.do it right or don't do it at all..good luck....

scrapper....

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by Scrapper

i'd replace it if your going too keep driving it.but that's just my O. P.do it right or don't do it at all..good luck....

scrapper....

There is something to that, but with no emissions and a 12 year old vehicle, would it be worth the $250+ cost?

[jadek]

"with no emissions and a 12 year old vehicle, would it be worth the $250+ cost?"

Our thoughts exactly.

It does rattle, but the exhaust isn't blocked. The Jeep has a salvage title, so we probably will just change the muffler (to keep on the good side of the neighbors) and skip the new cat.

[1996Chreokee]

There is a recall on XJ where they need the computer reprogrammed and it has something to do with the converter.... It also states if your converter rattles it would be replaced by the recall service.... I would call your local jeep deal,er with your vin and ask them about the recall...

I have to take mine in... I was notified by mail

Good luck... Let us know if they cover it

[Scrapper]

oh with salvage title i'd just do muffler then..and yes neighbors a good thing to get along with..

have a nice day......

[brainyass]

I just did my cat w/muffler and tailpipe for my '93. I bought everything from quadratec. Not a bad price for everything and it sounds great. IMHO do your part and get the cat.

77608 801 DYNOMAX SUPER TURBO CAT BACK $149.99
51401 03 CATALYTIC CONVERTER 15773 $109.99

Here is the recall info.

http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2005/Dec..._enrd_688.html

[jadek]

Recall is for '96-'01, but thanks for the info.

The muffler, installed, with new hangers on our 94 XJ was under $60, so we're going that route on the 95 also.