99 S70 NA - Rattle in Catalytic Converter

krenekj · Post by **krenekj** » 19 May 2014, 21:29

There is something rattling around in my catalytic converter, and I don't know if this is a problem or not. It's the original one with 150k miles. I have not CELs or codes that I can see with a simple reader.

A new Volvo OEM CC runs about $1k. I am the original owner. I plan to keep the car indefinitely and usually go with Volvo OEM, but this price is crazy. A few questions:

- what is rattling around in there? Is it a ticking bomb that will suddenly leave me stranded or cause more damage if driven?

- I need a California-approved CC. What other (quality) options have folks tried? Anything to avoid?

Thanks.

Post by **abscate** » 20 May 2014, 02:56

Price out a cat from a pick and pull , both nearby and online.

You still have a good 100-150k of life in this car, to put the 1000 USd bill in perspective.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 20 May 2014, 07:19

Unfortunately it is a violation of Federal Law for a salvage yard to sell a used catalytic converter unless it has been shipped off to a testing laboratory and "re-certified". As such, and also because a used one brings around $100.00 in salvage value due to the Platinum content, the salvage yards hack them off and sell them as scrap.

You can buy a used catalytic converter from an individual but that is often a challenge to find someone parting out a compatible car. I'm not sure about the '99 NA but on my '99 LPT there is no after market alternative. Oregon being Oregon, I'm guessing that you face daunting emissions testing which further limits your options. If you don't go through tailpipe testing then it might be worth a call to OBX Racing to see if they make a manifold back exhaust system and certainly check with Masterflow or Walker to see if they have a replacement that you can get a muffler shop to weld in. Stay away from the big chain muffler shops since they pretty much only bolt things on and don't do any real welding. My go-to exhaust repair place is Buz's Muffler Shop - Buz welds exhaust systems and his mom runs the counter. That is the kind of place you need to find.

The rattle does mean that the catalytic converter has failed so it is something that you will need to address.

...Lee

Post by **rmmagow** » 20 May 2014, 07:25

Seriously, I don't really know about this part. I did talk to them some time ago and they seemed to be genuinely helpful. The thing is made here in the US. It would be about 1/2 price of the Volvo and CA certified so probably ok for OR. Give them a call.
http://www.deccats.com/catalytic_search ... php?cal=CA

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 20 May 2014, 07:35

Nice find! I can't seem to find pricing on the website though.

...Lee

Post by **abscate** » 20 May 2014, 09:14

In upstate NY its pretty easy to buy a used cat from a yard. Now that tailpipe testing is gone, people are finding a way to keep old cars on the road. I don't know anything about OR politics, of course. Do you need to be CA compliant in OR, or are you moving to CA soon?

Post by **rmmagow** » 20 May 2014, 11:21

I've found pricing via google for DEC cats. Various auto parts carriers and even a few volvo parts sites. Ebay/Amazon to get a general price idea then a deeper dig to buy one. If my AWD cat dies again and if it otherwise is still OK, I'm going to try one. I have a welded in Volvo cat now so who knows, the rest may fall apart first.

Post by **E Showell** » 20 May 2014, 14:58

I did an exhaust system replace from manifold back about a year ago (admittedly for a '98 V70, not an S70)-- search my posts. If I recall, I put together a Borla Cat and Starla pipes, or vice versa -- from FCP for around $600, or about half the price of an OEM system. I do not expect it to last as long as the OEM system, but I don't think I'll get another 15 years out of a car with 270K miles on it either.

fast850 · Post by **fast850** » 21 May 2014, 19:22

I concur with E Showell. After doing a full engine, down to the mains, rebuild on my 96 850 NA, I installed an aftermarket exhaust from the manifold back, based only on price. I think a Scan-tech cat or muffler, although I do remember getting the muffler from autozone due only to shipping cost.

But, the above said system has had many rattles due only to sub-standard rubber hangers. They break after 6 months. So, IMHO buy the after market exhaust and OEM hangers.

elmobrian · Post by **elmobrian** » 21 May 2014, 21:04

A couple things....

- why do you need a CA approved cat? If you live in Oregon, that shouldn't be the case. Only California and New York have laws on the books about CARB approved cats. You may however need one that is specific for California emissions, if that is what your engine is (and it probably is)

- the rattle could be a number of things. a small piece of the brick inside the cat could have broken. Or something else caught in front of the brick. If your engine isn't throwing a code, mechanically it shouldn't be something to worry about.

- Can you live with the rattle? Of course I have no idea how loud or annoying it is.

If you have to get one, as others said, used is cheapest, but generally not legal. Aftermarket is the next cheapest, and generally a fraction of the price of OE. I used these guys and will pump them because they really helped me out. www.ecatalytic.com

OE, though, is by far the best option, and by far the most expensive.