Hopeful New Catalytic Converter Law Helps Us

[Joe Marconi]

I am not a fan of government intervention, but I hope New York’s new law requirement on replacement catalytic converters meeting California standards, cure our comeback rate when using aftermarket cats.

 

Many cats are replaced not due to failure or check engine light but because of rust thru on the attaching pipes. After the cat is replaced (which sometimes is half the size of the OE cat) is installed, the car comes back a few weeks later with a cat code. It’s frustrating and bad for business.

 

I know this issue has been brought up before, but are there issues around the country concerning aftermarket catalytic converters?

[Oviedo Auto Repair]

I HAVE NOT HAD THAT PROBLEM SO FAR, MAYBE I'M USING A BETTER QUALITY AFTERMARKET CAT?

[phynny]

I HAVE NOT HAD THAT PROBLEM SO FAR, MAYBE I'M USING A BETTER QUALITY AFTERMARKET CAT?

Same here, I've never had a vehicle come back after installing an after market cat. Keep the government out.

[TheTrustedMechanic]

Knowing how the catalytic converter works and how the catalyst monitor works, why would any shop install a catalytic converter noticeably smaller than the original? That seems like an invitation for problems. I don't replace many converters and when I do I use NAPA converters which are Walker. I have only had one cat code after a replacement but I was never allowed to diagnose it. It was a Toyota Sienna van and the original had fallen out of the pipe due to the studs rotting off so I don't know if the oxygen sensor was faulty or the new converter was at fault. All other replacements were successful after the first direct fit replacement converter.

 

As for government intrusion, like with anything else, if it is done properly and with reason it can be of benefit. If it is a knee-jerk reaction then unintended consequences are too be expected.

[alfredauto]

Since the law passed we installed about 80% less cats than usual. They get a price from us for $1000 or whatever the CARB compliant costs to install and then they go to Joes unregistered garage and get a $60 universal welded in. I refuse to do it so they go somewhere else, sucks but I can't afford to risk a fine. We never had a problem with the Walker direct fit OBDII compliant cats which aren't cheap to begin with but the CARB ones are nuts.

[ATSAutomotive]

We typically install Walker replacements and to date we have only had one comeback that was due to a failed converter. Was replaced under warranty and away he went, still hasn't had any issues. Might want to get a closer look at all these jobs and see if there is/was an underlying issue. Hard to believe numerous cats have gone bad for absolutely no reason....

[mmotley]

Ugh, please, no more gov't regulations and/or laws!!! Let the free market work it out!

 

Joe, if you stop buying the cheap CATS, those companies stop receiving income... and eventually go out of business and/or increase the quality of their product. Yes, it is tempting, but eventually you gotta learn to stop touching the stove. You've been burned.