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Subject:Catalytic Converter
From:Neil N
Date:Thu, 6 Jul 2017 11:31:31 -0700

Hi all.

I think all that needs to be said is unless you're certain your cat
has failed, leave it be.

I was certain mine had failed. It made a horrible "ball bearings"
rattling sound at one point. As I'm sure has been written here before,
a failing or failed cat would probably rattle consistently for some
time.

The worst part is I have NO idea what the "rattling ball bearings"
noise was that I heard while in the Baja.

For the record, though there was no name on the cat, an internet
search suggests it was a Walker brand cat. With part removed and
shaken, it didn't rattle and I could still see mesh at each end.
Presumably it is fine. Also, there was a small "tumble weed" of thin
metal wire from a long ago burned out flex bushing. So it seems that
material could remain at inlet end of a cat element. At the very
least, it was "good" to see that. I'd wondered about that. At least
now my exhaust doesn't have that extra weight possibly adding to long
term wear and tear on exhaust. (cracking)

Hanging my head with shame (LOL),

Neil.

--
Neil n

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