Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 793
Likes: 0
From: vineland, nj, usa
NEW SECOND PART OF CAT CONVERTER QUESTION..HELP GUYS...
guys i have a 98 accord, that when i purchased it from a kid, he "smartly" enough "punched" out the catalitic converter. The car has since had a check engine light for catlitic ineffeiceny???....my question....does it really affect the car in a harmful way???...does it hinder vtec form engaging???(i hard this tale before)....can i inorge it???....shoudl i put a new cat on???...the previous owner did this to the car while putting on a header and bolt on exhuast..figuring to get more power form the car...i had auto zone check it for the code and the rep told me that actually obd2 cars gain nothing from doing such a thing to them..????...can you guys help me out here????...thanks,,
Modified by leoverte at 8:12 PM 5/2/2006
Modified by leoverte at 8:17 PM 5/2/2006
Modified by leoverte at 8:12 PM 5/2/2006
Modified by leoverte at 8:17 PM 5/2/2006
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
Damn... Only one minute passed before you bumped your thread. 
Anyway. No, it will not affect any of the operations of your car. However, if you have emissions checks every year, the car will not pass inspection. My recommendation is to get a universal cat and replace the current one. It will stop the CEL from coming on, clean the pollutants from the exhaust, and quiet your exhaust a little. You won't feel any difference in the way the car drives, although the car will probably recover a little bit of torque on the low end with a new cat.
Anyway. No, it will not affect any of the operations of your car. However, if you have emissions checks every year, the car will not pass inspection. My recommendation is to get a universal cat and replace the current one. It will stop the CEL from coming on, clean the pollutants from the exhaust, and quiet your exhaust a little. You won't feel any difference in the way the car drives, although the car will probably recover a little bit of torque on the low end with a new cat.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,495
Likes: 5
From: Pompano Beach, FL, USA
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by philadd »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Damn... Only one minute passed before you bumped your thread.
Anyway. No, it will not affect any of the operations of your car. However, if you have emissions checks every year, the car will not pass inspection. My recommendation is to get a universal cat and replace the current one. It will stop the CEL from coming on, clean the pollutants from the exhaust, and quiet your exhaust a little. You won't feel any difference in the way the car drives, although the car will probably recover a little bit of torque on the low end with a new cat.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Philadd, well said my friend. Beautiful anwser, i'm glad you said it like that.
Anyway. No, it will not affect any of the operations of your car. However, if you have emissions checks every year, the car will not pass inspection. My recommendation is to get a universal cat and replace the current one. It will stop the CEL from coming on, clean the pollutants from the exhaust, and quiet your exhaust a little. You won't feel any difference in the way the car drives, although the car will probably recover a little bit of torque on the low end with a new cat.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Philadd, well said my friend. Beautiful anwser, i'm glad you said it like that.
In a Junkyard near you.
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,084
Likes: 2
From: Richmond, Va
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by philadd »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Damn... Only one minute passed before you bumped your thread.
Anyway. No, it will not affect any of the operations of your car. However, if you have emissions checks every year, the car will not pass inspection. My recommendation is to get a universal cat and replace the current one. It will stop the CEL from coming on, clean the pollutants from the exhaust, and quiet your exhaust a little. You won't feel any difference in the way the car drives, although the car will probably recover a little bit of torque on the low end with a new cat.</TD></TR></TABLE>
So by not affecting the operations of the car you obviousally are overlooking the horrible gas mileage and the car running rich/ lean due to the check engine light being on? YES most definately you need to put a new Catalytic converter on there, That kid should be castrated for throwing away that money (you can get $60+ dollars back from a core converter).
Your car will run a LOT better once you put the converter back in there. Having the check engine light on completely nullifies every other engine modification done to the car.
Anyway. No, it will not affect any of the operations of your car. However, if you have emissions checks every year, the car will not pass inspection. My recommendation is to get a universal cat and replace the current one. It will stop the CEL from coming on, clean the pollutants from the exhaust, and quiet your exhaust a little. You won't feel any difference in the way the car drives, although the car will probably recover a little bit of torque on the low end with a new cat.</TD></TR></TABLE>
So by not affecting the operations of the car you obviousally are overlooking the horrible gas mileage and the car running rich/ lean due to the check engine light being on? YES most definately you need to put a new Catalytic converter on there, That kid should be castrated for throwing away that money (you can get $60+ dollars back from a core converter).
Your car will run a LOT better once you put the converter back in there. Having the check engine light on completely nullifies every other engine modification done to the car.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 793
Likes: 0
From: vineland, nj, usa
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
ok so ya i bumped it quickly.....its cause i love honda-tech so much i want us to reach the next million marker...errr somehting like that..anyhow....thanks for your info guys second of all, but im still a little confused.....one is saying that it will not effect the car but to install one anyhow AND that a universal one will work and erase the CEL code...and the other is saying that the car is getting effected badly in the view of gas mileage, which is VERY VERY important to me..and also all the other mods are not working to there full potential...SOOOO
1st) Can i put a universal or even high flow universal cat and the CEL will be cleared???
2nd) Does the cat have to be genuine honda part?????... which i hope not cause the cheapest i can get that dam cat is 550 from my dealer!!!!
MooGoCow3 and Philadd thank you for your help so far..i truely apprecitate it...Can you help me with these questions though....
OH, by the way i have this guy in my town that wants to trade me my catback exhaust (obx system preivous owner installed) for his oem 01 accord catback...i told him that he would also have to give me his oem cat converter which his are in fine condition, and would also probably get rid of my CEL light issue right??!?!....so do you also think that i should bite the bullet and lose my catback to gain and oem converter and just buy another catback later...or revert to question 1 and just replace the cat???.....i know im talking alot, but it is becuase its late, i just got home from work, and im tired so im rambling... ...shuting up now...
1st) Can i put a universal or even high flow universal cat and the CEL will be cleared???
2nd) Does the cat have to be genuine honda part?????... which i hope not cause the cheapest i can get that dam cat is 550 from my dealer!!!!
MooGoCow3 and Philadd thank you for your help so far..i truely apprecitate it...Can you help me with these questions though....
OH, by the way i have this guy in my town that wants to trade me my catback exhaust (obx system preivous owner installed) for his oem 01 accord catback...i told him that he would also have to give me his oem cat converter which his are in fine condition, and would also probably get rid of my CEL light issue right??!?!....so do you also think that i should bite the bullet and lose my catback to gain and oem converter and just buy another catback later...or revert to question 1 and just replace the cat???.....i know im talking alot, but it is becuase its late, i just got home from work, and im tired so im rambling... ...shuting up now...
Trending Topics
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MooGoCow3 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
So by not affecting the operations of the car you obviousally are overlooking the horrible gas mileage and the car running rich/ lean due to the check engine light being on? </TD></TR></TABLE>
Actually, the 2nd O2 doesn't affect the air/fuel ratio. It's simply a way of telling if the cat is working or not. Remember, we're talking about the 2nd O2 sensor, not the first one.
leoverte,
Replace the cat, and then reset the ecu. The CEL should not come back on, assuming the code is for cat inefficiency. And no, you do not have to get a Honda cat, although rumors say that they will last longer than universal cats. Hi-flow cats are fine as well, but there really won't be any difference as compared to an OEM style cat (unless you go turbo).
If you like the current exhaust, keep it. It will be somewhat quieter with a non-hollowed-out cat. I personally wouldn't use a used cat, because you don't know how much longer it will last.
So by not affecting the operations of the car you obviousally are overlooking the horrible gas mileage and the car running rich/ lean due to the check engine light being on? </TD></TR></TABLE>
Actually, the 2nd O2 doesn't affect the air/fuel ratio. It's simply a way of telling if the cat is working or not. Remember, we're talking about the 2nd O2 sensor, not the first one.
leoverte,
Replace the cat, and then reset the ecu. The CEL should not come back on, assuming the code is for cat inefficiency. And no, you do not have to get a Honda cat, although rumors say that they will last longer than universal cats. Hi-flow cats are fine as well, but there really won't be any difference as compared to an OEM style cat (unless you go turbo).
If you like the current exhaust, keep it. It will be somewhat quieter with a non-hollowed-out cat. I personally wouldn't use a used cat, because you don't know how much longer it will last.
In a Junkyard near you.
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,084
Likes: 2
From: Richmond, Va
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by philadd »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Actually, the 2nd O2 doesn't affect the air/fuel ratio. It's simply a way of telling if the cat is working or not. Remember, we're talking about the 2nd O2 sensor, not the first one.
leoverte,
Replace the cat, and then reset the ecu. The CEL should not come back on, assuming the code is for cat inefficiency. And no, you do not have to get a Honda cat, although rumors say that they will last longer than universal cats. Hi-flow cats are fine as well, but there really won't be any difference as compared to an OEM style cat (unless you go turbo).
If you like the current exhaust, keep it. It will be somewhat quieter with a non-hollowed-out cat. I personally wouldn't use a used cat, because you don't know how much longer it will last.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Your right the second O2 sensor does not affect the emissions it only checks the primary O2 and the converter. BUT the car thinks the converter is getting clogged or otherwise innefficent so it is compensating through air fuel mixture to help maintain it's emissions quality. Most of the time it's safe to assume that as soon as the check engine light comes on that your gas mileage and smog is going to be off kilter.
leoverte,
Replace the cat, and then reset the ecu. The CEL should not come back on, assuming the code is for cat inefficiency. And no, you do not have to get a Honda cat, although rumors say that they will last longer than universal cats. Hi-flow cats are fine as well, but there really won't be any difference as compared to an OEM style cat (unless you go turbo).
If you like the current exhaust, keep it. It will be somewhat quieter with a non-hollowed-out cat. I personally wouldn't use a used cat, because you don't know how much longer it will last.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Your right the second O2 sensor does not affect the emissions it only checks the primary O2 and the converter. BUT the car thinks the converter is getting clogged or otherwise innefficent so it is compensating through air fuel mixture to help maintain it's emissions quality. Most of the time it's safe to assume that as soon as the check engine light comes on that your gas mileage and smog is going to be off kilter.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 793
Likes: 0
From: vineland, nj, usa
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
ok...thanks for the advice guys....i plan on turboing the car, which is what im saving for now....trying to do drag kit....any how, i will get started on replacing the cat with a high flow...and goood point bout the used cat...i really wouldnt know how much life would be left on it....
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, Ne, USA
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MooGoCow3 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Most of the time it's safe to assume that as soon as the check engine light comes on that your gas mileage and smog is going to be off kilter.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's not entirely true there bubba.. I've had a CEL(IGN Misfire #4 Cyl) on in my 97 LX Accord since December and I've been getting the same gas mileage or better since before the code... I mean this last fillup I got 26-28 mpg running in city on 89 octane fuel. And before you ask, I haven't had access to a scanner to clear the codes from that intermittent misfire. So it's just been a reminder to do it when I can.
Now if you're pre-cat O2 went out and threw a code, then yeah you're gas mileage would suffer horribly because it would be running in open loop 24/7.
But with just Catalytic Inefficiency from a hollowed out cat I don't see where gas mileage would be directly effected at least not more than 1-3 mpg less than average. At least that's my best guess on the situation.
Oh and just my $0.02
That's not entirely true there bubba.. I've had a CEL(IGN Misfire #4 Cyl) on in my 97 LX Accord since December and I've been getting the same gas mileage or better since before the code... I mean this last fillup I got 26-28 mpg running in city on 89 octane fuel. And before you ask, I haven't had access to a scanner to clear the codes from that intermittent misfire. So it's just been a reminder to do it when I can.
Now if you're pre-cat O2 went out and threw a code, then yeah you're gas mileage would suffer horribly because it would be running in open loop 24/7.
But with just Catalytic Inefficiency from a hollowed out cat I don't see where gas mileage would be directly effected at least not more than 1-3 mpg less than average. At least that's my best guess on the situation.
Oh and just my $0.02
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 793
Likes: 0
From: vineland, nj, usa
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
magnaflow makes a converter for that is obd2 complaint...has anyone heard anything about it...propbably going to be the one that i am going to go with.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 793
Likes: 0
From: vineland, nj, usa
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
GUYS NOW I HAVE ANOUTHER PROBLEM WITH THIS CAT ISSUE...I AM ABOUT TO INSTALL A CATCO CAT....BUT NOW EVERY MUFFLER SHOP IS TELLING ME THAT IF I AM GOING TO TURBO THE CAR....THE TURBO IS GOING TO BLOW WHAT EVER CAT I HAVE IN THERE RIGHT OUT AND JUST GET ME RIGHT IN THE SAME SPOT I AM NOW...WITH A CEL LIGHT COMIGN UP...IS THE TRUE....CAUS IF SO, THEN I GUESS THEE IS NO POINT IN REPLACING IT AND I SHOULD JUST SAVE THE MONEY TO GET THE TURBO SET UP...
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
Seriously, you don't need to bump your thread 2 minutes later. And please, take off the caps lock.
No, a turbo will not "blow" the cat out. Think about it for a second... There are cars with turbos from the factory, and they have cats.
Just replace the cat.
No, a turbo will not "blow" the cat out. Think about it for a second... There are cars with turbos from the factory, and they have cats.
Just replace the cat.
In a Junkyard near you.
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,084
Likes: 2
From: Richmond, Va
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by philadd »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Seriously, you don't need to bump your thread 2 minutes later. And please, take off the caps lock.
No, a turbo will not "blow" the cat out. Think about it for a second... There are cars with turbos from the factory, and they have cats.
Just replace the cat. </TD></TR></TABLE>
He must be really far away from his computer.
No a turbo isn't going to blow the cat out. It will restrict the flow moreso though if you don't use a high flow cat. (one of the few times I will ever reccomend one.)
Now Nitrous and a turbo i've heard (never seen) of this eating the cat.
No, a turbo will not "blow" the cat out. Think about it for a second... There are cars with turbos from the factory, and they have cats.
Just replace the cat. </TD></TR></TABLE>
He must be really far away from his computer.
No a turbo isn't going to blow the cat out. It will restrict the flow moreso though if you don't use a high flow cat. (one of the few times I will ever reccomend one.)
Now Nitrous and a turbo i've heard (never seen) of this eating the cat.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 793
Likes: 0
From: vineland, nj, usa
Re: Catalitic inefficeny giving off a check engine light?? does it really make a differ to my car??
thanks philadd...and thanks for the grammar lesson,,,err i guess...and i honeslty dont know what is the issue with bumping your thread right after you post it...in all seriousness i dont know...maybe its just annoying, it so,,my mistake...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
