My 99 civic didn't come with a cat when I bought it. I got a used one I want to throw in. Any way I can test it to make sure it works fine? shake it? try to blow air through it?

 

look down thru it and see if the porcelain honeycomb is solid all the way through and has no holes in it and u can not see through to the other end.

 

Hello,

I am new to the forum and need help. I have a 1998 Honda Civic DX Automatic (4 door) with 144,000 miles in Illinois.

My check engine light came on and I took it to my mechanic. He quoted me the following to fix it:
(1) CAT Converter (Part -$710) & (Labor - $128)
(2) Pre & post 02 Sensor (Part - $241) & (Labor - $23)

I feel like he is trying to screw me. He said they were rusted, and I think something about a manifold. I am an accountant and not a mechanic, so I am not that familiar with some of the things he was saying.

Can someone help guide me in the right direction?

I've also noticed an unusual rattling noise around the same time as the check engine light, is this related?

Is this the parts that I need?
http://www.1aauto.com/1A/CatalyticCo...tm_content=EEM

Thank you all for any info you can provide.

 

A faulty upstream o2 sensor (before the cat) will trigger these malfunction codes. Your car has 144,000 miles. Your cat is fine and he IS trying to screw you.

 

His cat might be fine but the problem is, these maniverters are notorious for rusting and cracking and considering his location, it's certain that it will happen. I live in California and the "maniverter" on my Civic LX is cracked at the o2 sensor and while I pass smog, I can see how in Illinois, the situation would be far worse. I'm going to replace my cat anyway despite passing smog because the infiltration of cold air could possibly crack the head. However, $770 for a catalytic converter is VERY expensive, and depending on how strict the emissions are in your area, this catalytic converter might get you by:http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-Solutions-Exhaust-Manifold-674-439/dp/B000C14HF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304393881&sr=8-1

but if you want to be certain to pass years down the road, get this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-673-439-Exhaust-Manifold-Kit/dp/B001NYNPTU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1304393881&sr=8-2
You need the more expensive one if your area has "California emissions" or if you *hint hint, live in California..