hockeyfan_019
NAXJA Forum User
I am quite sure a flame-fest may ensue, but a couple of questions here regarding replacement or removal... Please don't start all green-vs-polluting BS here though, I understand that without a CAT the emmissions will be worse, IF the engine is running perfect mixture, the operating temps are in range, and the humidity is correct... But regardless, I imagine that it STILL will not be as bad as my lawnmower, motorcycle, gas grill, weed whip, chainsaw, or certainly an F350 superduty diesel or city bus!
First, the scenario. '89 XJ 4.0l with TONS of miles... Cat still has "pressure", ie no holes, but it sounds like theres a steel baseball trapped inside that's trying to get out...
Option 1: Remove the POS, replace with straight pipe. Advantages, lower cost than replacement, quick fix (section of new straight pipe up the the cut on either end of the old section, and 2 hose clamps), no more potential for the thing to go bonkers on the inside. Disadvantages, poor joint integrity (how much do those clamps hold anyways), having to find a new section of pipe with the correct end geometries (like "muffler man" hasn't been asked for that before), and emmissions potentially get worse. BTW, no emmissions checks in Michigan any longer.
Option 2: Replacement, muffler shop job. Advantages, no labor, best strength, maintains emmissions. Disadvantages, high cost, potential for breakdown later on again.
Option 3: Aftermarket CAT replacement. Advantages, better cost, maintains emmissions (if with the right one I guess). Disadvantages, probably medium strength, probably less durable than the "Tuffy" type, install labor probably has some swearing-factor, and online part quality is a crapshoot.
How have you guys solved this problem?
Thanks,
Tom
First, the scenario. '89 XJ 4.0l with TONS of miles... Cat still has "pressure", ie no holes, but it sounds like theres a steel baseball trapped inside that's trying to get out...
Option 1: Remove the POS, replace with straight pipe. Advantages, lower cost than replacement, quick fix (section of new straight pipe up the the cut on either end of the old section, and 2 hose clamps), no more potential for the thing to go bonkers on the inside. Disadvantages, poor joint integrity (how much do those clamps hold anyways), having to find a new section of pipe with the correct end geometries (like "muffler man" hasn't been asked for that before), and emmissions potentially get worse. BTW, no emmissions checks in Michigan any longer.
Option 2: Replacement, muffler shop job. Advantages, no labor, best strength, maintains emmissions. Disadvantages, high cost, potential for breakdown later on again.
Option 3: Aftermarket CAT replacement. Advantages, better cost, maintains emmissions (if with the right one I guess). Disadvantages, probably medium strength, probably less durable than the "Tuffy" type, install labor probably has some swearing-factor, and online part quality is a crapshoot.
How have you guys solved this problem?
Thanks,
Tom