Replacing Catalytic Converter?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Patricia Butler
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Patricia Butler

Hi! I have a 1993 240 wagon that's in overall great condition. I've
recently had it fully checked, had the AC refreshed (it's now so cold
I want to spend the summer there), all new tires put on, and some
front thingy replaced -- tie rod? Something like that. New brakes
are looming in the near future, which will probably cost around
$300-400. Anyway, about a week or two ago it started sounding a
little throaty, if you know what I mean. This has happened
previously and it turned out just to be a loose hose. I was hoping
for the same thing this time. No such luck! I was told that the
flange on the catalytic converter had rusted, and that I can't replace
just the flange, but will have to replace the entire converter -- at a
cost of around $900 (that's including labor). Ouch! I asked if there
was a cheaper option and was told that there are some garages that
might agree to weld the converter to the exhaust system, but then, if
something goes wrong with one, everything would have to be replaced.

So, what do you all think? Are there better options that are also
cheaper? I do know that my mechanic tends to be expensive (though
they're also extremely good) so I don't mind getting some other
quotes. Opinions?

Thanks much,
Patricia
 
Patricia Butler said:
Hi! I have a 1993 240 wagon that's in overall great condition. I've
recently had it fully checked, had the AC refreshed (it's now so cold
I want to spend the summer there), all new tires put on, and some
front thingy replaced -- tie rod? Something like that. New brakes
are looming in the near future, which will probably cost around
$300-400. Anyway, about a week or two ago it started sounding a
little throaty, if you know what I mean. This has happened
previously and it turned out just to be a loose hose. I was hoping
for the same thing this time. No such luck! I was told that the
flange on the catalytic converter had rusted, and that I can't replace
just the flange, but will have to replace the entire converter -- at a
cost of around $900 (that's including labor). Ouch! I asked if there
was a cheaper option and was told that there are some garages that
might agree to weld the converter to the exhaust system, but then, if
something goes wrong with one, everything would have to be replaced.

So, what do you all think? Are there better options that are also
cheaper? I do know that my mechanic tends to be expensive (though
they're also extremely good) so I don't mind getting some other
quotes. Opinions?

Thanks much,
Patricia
Click to expand...

Any competent exhaust shop should be able to install an aftermarket cat, the
one I put on my car was about $140 but then I installed it myself. I'm
surprised the flange rusted off, catalytic converters are normally
stainless. At any rate, try an exhaust shop rather than a general mechanic,
they'll be all set up for this sort of thing.
 
This website specializes in Volvo parts at competitive prices:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo240exhaust.htm#converters

Call them at their toll-free number to ensure you get the right part for
your year and model. The part price is between $140 - $240 (much less than
$900), plus you will need to pay a muffler shop to install it, relatively
inexpensive (i.e., less than $100).
 
This website specializes in Volvo parts at competitive prices:http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo240exhaust.htm#converters

Call them at their toll-free number to ensure you get the right part for
your year and model. The part price is between $140 - $240 (much less than
$900), plus you will need to pay a muffler shop to install it, relatively
inexpensive (i.e., less than $100).








- Show quoted text -
Click to expand...

Excellent! Thanks to both of you!

Patricia
 
Hi! I have a 1993 240 wagon that's in overall great condition. I've
recently had it fully checked, had the AC refreshed (it's now so cold
I want to spend the summer there), all new tires put on, and some
front thingy replaced -- tie rod? Something like that. New brakes
are looming in the near future, which will probably cost around
$300-400. Anyway, about a week or two ago it started sounding a
little throaty, if you know what I mean. This has happened
previously and it turned out just to be a loose hose. I was hoping
for the same thing this time. No such luck! I was told that the
flange on the catalytic converter had rusted, and that I can't replace
just the flange, but will have to replace the entire converter -- at a
cost of around $900 (that's including labor). Ouch! I asked if there
was a cheaper option and was told that there are some garages that
might agree to weld the converter to the exhaust system, but then, if
something goes wrong with one, everything would have to be replaced.

So, what do you all think? Are there better options that are also
cheaper? I do know that my mechanic tends to be expensive (though
they're also extremely good) so I don't mind getting some other
quotes. Opinions?

Thanks much,
Patricia
Click to expand...

We replaced our cat converter about three months ago for the same
reason. We bought an after market from FCP Groton and it (cat) did not
pass emissions test. Shop had another after market unit on shelf, so
they put that one in and surprise-surprise it passed emissions. Don't
know if its just bad luck or what, but we were glad we paid with
credit card which offers insurance because Groton does not refund -
you must purchase another one first, have it installed and send the
bad one back. Good luck.
 
I went to a mitsubishi dealer and he gave me a aftermarket cat from
''WALKER'' that I installed on my own I payed for it about 100USD and it
works just fine, no problems with emissions etc...
Pozzz!!!
 
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