Should I Replace My Catalytic Converter?

[TJRick]

I have a 1998 Jeep that I have owned since 1999. It has 150K miles on it and everything seems to be working great. But I am about to replace my muffler and both O2 sensors. Should I also replace the catalytic converter? Is this a part that wears out after 22 years of service?

If so, what brand and/or type should I go with?

 

[eastbloc]

Referring to the 3rd one? Might as well, better option is to remove it.
At that age your cats (pre-cats, or what ever they called, 1st two) are probably seeing their last days.

Hard to say, it is one of those things you don't touch until it fails, but it will fail one day... to some it is years, to others a lifetime... if you at it - might as well

 

[Vtx531]

I would not replace it if you don’t need to because they are expensive and aftermarket ones generally are not as good. You will get a check engine light when it is below the required efficiency and needs to be replaced.

 

[CharlesHS]

I have a 1998 Jeep that I have owned since 1999. It has 150K miles on it and everything seems to be working great. But I am about to replace my muffler and both O2 sensors. Should I also replace the catalytic converter? Is this a part that wears out after 22 years of service?

If so, what brand and/or type should I go with?

While you are disassembling the exhaust to remove the muffler; you should disconnect the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe and do a visual inspection of the inlet to the CC. If you can see the honeycomb inside and there are no blockages or chucks inside; then the CC can be reused. IF there are blockages in the honeycomb; then its time to replace the CC.

 

[EzPeezy]

When I first bought my Jeep it wouldn't pass smog - The mopar cats cost me $1800 installed. There were no other California-approved options, but now there's at least one out for about $500 I think.

Wait until they crap out, and if you aren't somewhere where emissions matter then just do whatever you want when they fail.

 

[RobertJ]

I would not replace it if you don’t need to because they are expensive and aftermarket ones generally are not as good. You will get a check engine light when it is below the required efficiency and needs to be replaced.

I agree with this. If it's having issues you'll know it. They are kind of like timing chains in that they are designed to last the life of the car, but they need replace often times as well. Poor maintenance or ignoring CELs is what kills most of them.

 

[RobertJ]

Referring to the 3rd one? Might as well, better option is to remove it.
At that age your cats (pre-cats, or what ever they called, 1st two) are probably seeing their last days.

Hard to say, it is one of those things you don't touch until it fails, but it will fail one day... to some it is years, to others a lifetime... if you at it - might as well

'98s only have one.

 

[AidenC]

Delete them.

 

[williambmac]

Yes catalytic converters degrade over time and become less efficient, but unless your throwing a P0420 cat efficiency code, I wouldn't bother.
The only thing you may notice by replacing it is ..... lighter feeling in the wallet.
Replacing the O2 sensors @ 150k isn't a bad idea. Just make sure you use NTK sensors and not the Bosch brand.

 

[SoCalTJ]

When I first bought my Jeep it wouldn't pass smog - The mopar cats cost me $1800 installed. There were no other California-approved options, but now there's at least one out for about $500 I think.

Wait until they crap out, and if you aren't somewhere where emissions matter then just do whatever you want when they fail.

My 98 just failed smog. The hydrocarbons at 15mph failed. Max is 52 and mine read 72. I’m just starting to look at what to do. I don’t have engine light or any codes. How did you know it was the Cat? My motor does have 180k on it and probably needs a rebuild sooner than later. Just not sure if it’s the rings or cat that is hosing the test.

 

[AidenC]

My 98 just failed smog. The hydrocarbons at 15mph failed. Max is 52 and mine read 72. I’m just starting to look at what to do. I don’t have engine light or any codes. How did you know it was the Cat? My motor does have 180k on it and probably needs a rebuild sooner than later. Just not sure if it’s the rings or cat that is hosing the test.

Just go back again and give him 50$, you'll pass.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Just go back again and give him 50$, you'll pass.

He's in Communist Cali. That won't work for the next 4 years or unless he moves like most (smart ones) are doing.

 

[AidenC]

He's in Communist Cali. That won't work for the next 4 years or unless he moves like most (smart ones) are doing.

yah smog in cali is fucked and its affecting a lot of truckers as well. I'm not sure if we have these test in Galveston but I guess i'll find out in 2 months with my cat-less tj when its time for inspection.

 

[DK-RESTO]

I got tired of the no cat life (heavy fumes) and just installed the magnaflow high flow unit on my 99 and its great. no cel, and almost no fumes. definitely recommend. Though I'm not certain about the emissions testing side of things since I'm in florida where we have none

 

[AidenC]

I got tired of the no cat life (heavy fumes) and just installed the magnaflow high flow unit on my 99 and its great. no cel, and almost no fumes. definitely recommend. Though I'm not certain about the emissions testing side of things since I'm in florida where we have none

Do you have the 2 precats and the aftercat? if so did you have a cel without the precats?

 

[Tray Burge]

I got tired of the no cat life (heavy fumes) and just installed the magnaflow high flow unit on my 99 and its great. no cel, and almost no fumes. definitely recommend. Though I'm not certain about the emissions testing side of things since I'm in florida where we have none

Heavy fumes, this is exactly why I replaced my cat (1) when I replaced my entire system from header to tail pipe, not to mention the loud noise. My cat was just a shell when he took it off.

 

[RFC]

My 98 just failed smog. The hydrocarbons at 15mph failed. Max is 52 and mine read 72. I’m just starting to look at what to do. I don’t have engine light or any codes. How did you know it was the Cat? My motor does have 180k on it and probably needs a rebuild sooner than later. Just not sure if it’s the rings or cat that is hosing the test.

I’ve had luck getting old Toyota trucks through OR smog testing with new spark plugs and fresh, much thicker weight oil like 20w50. I’d immediately change the oil after passing. Cheaper than a new cat.

 

[SSTJ]

@TJRick, how did this work out for you? I'm asking something similar over here, although though I have the 2.5.