Well I finally got the catalytic converter out of the car. Only 1 snapped bolt at the header end. Worst part was that rubber hanger. Oh, and getting over the fear of going under the car on stands. I’ve also got very minimal support from 2 floor jacks.

My question is does this cat look ok? No rpm issues except at idle which is probably intake related (K&N) to be solved tomorrow. No loose rattle sounds when shaken. Will only gut this thing as a stop gap until I can get a replacement (if plugged). Don’t want Greta or my daughter after me.

 

I forgot to mention - no codes on my obd2 reader.

 

One more question - if I stick the trouble light up the resonator end should I see light at the other end? I’ve been searching a few hours for the answer on the forums. All I find is visually inspect. Since I have a sample of 1 I don’t know what looks good.

 

Can't see the catalyst in enough detail. It should look like a fine array of mesh of material w/ NO melting, cracks or chunks missing.

 

Thanks. New photo attached. My confusion is whether I should see light from the trouble light inserted in the resonator end pushed up to the bend. Externally there’s no damage. Mesh looks ok to me, but what do I know? I’ve only seen this one

 

It looks like its focused on the flange.

The CAT should look like a small honeycomb substrate... if it looks like there are no small regular holes its clogged up

It's common for the rear part to crap out before the front... and its difficult to see without a inspection camera. Sometimes you can see in the sensor hole...

 

Might have a better photo now

 

The front looks fine, now you just need a flashlight to shine through the rear.

Remember that usually clogged cats are caused by poor ignition.

Also, it's normal for the centre console to get a bit hot due to its location, as long as it's not scorching hot, it's not an issue.

 

That’s where I’m concerned. When I put the fluorescent light in the rear I see absolutely no light from the front. I can get the light inside up to the bend so there should be lots available to shine through. Or is this wrong thinking. Can the light make it through both segments?

 

Personally I just took the pipe completely off the car and dropped a flashlight carefully and slowly through the resonator so the light is right up against the rear cat element. With that, you should be able to see some light shining through both cat elements.

 

Thanks. I just dropped one of those stubby led flashlights (very bright) through the back end of the pipe (twice to make sure) while in my garage with the lights off. All I can see is a very small faint point of light. Seems the back element is plugged.

I will be looking into the HJS/BHRcat Midpipe soon. Will have to run with this thing gutted. Not fond of this, but I’m less fond of killing the engine. Greta and my family won’t be impressed.

This seem a reasonable course or am I making rash decisions again?

 

Try to rotate the pipe around and see if the light level changes. It should be pretty even. If there is some light through, then it shouldn't be plugged.

Don't be rash about gutting it, the cat's pretty expensive. If you don't want it, there are definitely people who want it. Absolutely make sure it's dead before you destroy it.

 

Thanks greatly for your time. I just avoided a costly mistake and waste of money. I put the flashlight back inside and rolled it around. Lots of light shining through, could even see the individual leds. Appreciate having so many questions answered.

 

Your center console heating up is normal. As stated before, you would notice the console heat up to a point where you could use it as a stove haha. You would also notice the cat glowing bright red underneath the car if it was truly clogged. Yours appears to be fine for now.

 

Used this handy little feature to dry a couple a hand washed masks on the way to work. Like others have said, it’s nice to have hot coffee on the drive.

 

lol you got your the exact same time as I did. I’m sure we were shopping. For the same cars. I ended up with a midpipe that did help reduce the heat in the console by a good margin.