Car Question-Can I Drive My Car with a Shot Catalytic Converter?

[stoyko]

I have a 96 Mercury Sable with 115,000. After the service engine light appeared, I dropped it off at my friendly neighborhood mechanic. I've been going to this guy for years and really trust him. He told me that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced and the back struts needed work - all together to the tune of 2400. Since thats a lot of money, I told him I'd sleep on it and talk it over with the Missus.
       I called my father who agreed with me it was not a great idea to spend that kind of money on a 13 year old car. He suggested that since the main purpose of the catalytic converter is to clean emissions, I should be ok just driving it knowing that it won't pass Inspection. My sticker's not until August so that would give me time to save up for new wheels. Is that a good idea? Is it safe? Any and all input would be appreciated.
   

[Kwhit10]

Yea you only need a cat. to save the environment and to pass emissions. I purposely took the catalytic converters out of my car because it restricts air flow, which hampers what I was trying to accomplish with the car.

You'll be fine.

[GroverTheClover]

I know a few people who are running catless and it doesn't hurt the car mechanically. If anything, they're producing more (it's pretty negligible) power and noise in their cars. Ultimately, you're only going to run into problems during your yearly inspection.

I'd suggest going to a local junkyard to see if there's a used cat from a Sable/Taurus. Since you've got a Sable, it should be mechanically the same as a Taurus of that generation. I'm sure there's at least a few junked Sables/Tauruses because those are common cars. 

You're required by law to have a cat. Also, you've probably noticed the smell particularly during idle.

[D Dub]

I know a few people who are running catless and it doesn't hurt the car mechanically. If anything, they're producing more (it's pretty negligible) power and noise in their cars. Ultimately, you're only going to run into problems during your yearly inspection.

I'd suggest going to a local junkyard to see if there's a used cat from a Sable/Taurus. Since you've got a Sable, it should be mechanically the same as a Taurus of that generation. I'm sure there's at least a few junked Sables/Tauruses because those are common cars. 

You're required by law to have a cat. Also, you've probably noticed the smell particularly during idle.

That's a good call.  If you have a buddy with a welding torch and can find a mid-90's Sable at the junk yard, you can save yourself some cash.  All you have to do is torch the pipe in front and behind the cat and weld your new one in place.  I'm sure there are How To forums with pictures out there.

Gotta say though, 2400 seems like an awfully high number for a cat replacement.  You should be gettting racing headers and new exhaust all the way back for that price. 

First and foremost I'd take it to another mechanic, a shop with less overhead should be able to do that work for hundreds of dollars not thousands of dollars....

[Neurotic Guy]

Sorry to hyjack (hope this quick diversion is OK) - it seems you have an answer to your question and I have a similar car question....  My daughter's car has a cracked exhaust manifold. Only symptom is a little rumble when applying gas at first.  Repair is $1000 at the dealer and it passed inspection even with the crack (inspection did not pick it up).

Just want to know if there is any safety issue and/or less expensive way to repair.  Thanks!

[stoyko]

TPs to all! Thanks everyone I'll be the one in the smelly car. Neurotic Guy, hope CBers can help you out as well!

[GroverTheClover]

Sorry to hyjack (hope this quick diversion is OK) - it seems you have an answer to your question and I have a similar car question....  My daughter's car has a cracked exhaust manifold. Only symptom is a little rumble when applying gas at first.  Repair is $1000 at the dealer and it passed inspection even with the crack (inspection did not pick it up).

Just want to know if there is any safety issue and/or less expensive way to repair.  Thanks!

It depends on the model of car, but I'd again suggest scrounging local junkyards for a used exhaust manifold. One concern of a cracked exhaust manifold is that you might be losing back pressure in the exhaust making the car less efficient in regard to power and MPG's.

You might be able to check it out yourself and see if you can patch the crack. What kind of car is it? You might be able to see if the crack is visible if you get under the car.

Edit: I almost forgot, but although you passed the sniffer test (if you're in MA), it doesn't mean that your exhaust isn't leaking. I'd be a little more careful with your windows down/vents open because the leak might cause a bit of carbon monoxide to get into the cabin of the car. That wouldn't be pleasant. Plus, you're still polluting because some of the exhaust gases aren't making it to the cat.

[Neurotic Guy]

Sorry to hyjack (hope this quick diversion is OK) - it seems you have an answer to your question and I have a similar car question....  My daughter's car has a cracked exhaust manifold. Only symptom is a little rumble when applying gas at first.  Repair is $1000 at the dealer and it passed inspection even with the crack (inspection did not pick it up).

Just want to know if there is any safety issue and/or less expensive way to repair.  Thanks!

It depends on the model of car, but I'd again suggest scrounging local junkyards for a used exhaust manifold. One concern of a cracked exhaust manifold is that you might be losing back pressure in the exhaust making the car less efficient in regard to power and MPG's.

You might be able to check it out yourself and see if you can patch the crack. What kind of car is it? You might be able to see if the crack is visible if you get under the car.

Edit: I almost forgot, but although you passed the sniffer test (if you're in MA), it doesn't mean that your exhaust isn't leaking. I'd be a little more careful with your windows down/vents open because the leak might cause a bit of carbon monoxide to get into the cabin of the car. That wouldn't be pleasant. Plus, you're still polluting because some of the exhaust gases aren't making it to the cat.

Thanks for the information Grover! You've made me sufficiently (appropriately) nervous as the car is my daughter's.  It's a 2001 Civic, BTW.  I think I'll just have to get it repaired while she's still away at college -- the $1000 is painful but much better than worrying about any CM in the cabin.