1996 Acura integra rs,Recently got code 67 Catalyst low efficiency,i am unable to get it repaired/looked at.What if any long term effects could it have?i assume the cat is in need of replacing?

 

it could start breaking up inside and cause a restriction to the exhaust. that wouldn't be good. other than that and passing emissions, won't be any other problems

 

^^ Agreed. You'll only have issues if it clogs the exhaust, which will be very noticeable with bogging/power loss.

 

http://www.civicforums.com/forums/22...on-w-pics.html

 

This is the same as the OBD-II code P0420.

This simply means the cat's element has deteriorated to the point where it's lost much of its ability to convert exhaust gases to water, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. It does NOT mean the cat is going to break up or clog on account of the P0420.


Yes, the cat needs replacing.

If you ignore this, there are no long-term effects of any kind. None at all. You can drive like this forever, if you like. The only problem is that you'll always have an annoying yellow light on on the dash.

 

you can't really say that as you don't know the reason behind the cat's failure.

 

True, but any ill-effects would be due to the causes of the P0420, not to the P0420 itself.

Given the age of the OP's car and the fact that he has only the one DTC, chances are good it's just an old cat, and there's not much else wrong.

What would definitely cause a long-term detrimental effect to the cat would be leaking valve-guide oil seals. That will eventually plug the cat. The symptom for that would be a puff of blue smoke out the tailpipe on a cold start. But that doesn't really cause any problems other than making it hard for the engine to breathe. There's no engine damage which would result from a plugged cat. Just replace the cat and you're good as new.

For the cat to break up generally requires severe overheating of the element. And this would be preceded by a flashing MIL.

The OP has little or nothing to worry about.

 

no long term effects from running too rich because of an O2 sensor failure?

you're crazy..

running rich will eventually burn your piston rings. wow!

 

woah, my bad, didn't read that thoroughly...replace your cat, the trees will love you!

 

How rich?

 

THIS rich

 

Restricted exhaust can lead to overheating. Which can burn out valves, rings, etc. You'll also experience severe loss of power and lower gas mileage.

If you have to you can hollow out the cat and do the O2 sensor bypass trick: http://www.civicforums.com/forums/22...on-w-pics.html

 

Good thing the OP's exhaust isn't restricted, though.

 

^^ My fault, reading comprehension is low today.