1996 850 Catalytic Converter

ksdst1 · Post by **ksdst1** » 29 Jun 2014, 12:28

Hi All,
The rear facing pipe has disconnected from the back end of my catalytic converter (1996 850 non-turbo auto, 90k) what looks like at the diameter weld point so there is no more pipe extension from the cat. The exhaust manifold leads down to the cat which is not supported and slouching and the meshing has become severed all the way around the base of the ex-man. I drove it about 20 miles home (very loud and the occasional scrapping when hitting bumps) and it is parked. Called my independent volvo mechanic who said sometimes they can weld a pipe extension or something.

I had done a head replacement a few years back and bought a new exhaust manifold but didn't install it. At the time I needed the mechanic to fine tune the timing (didn't have the volvo sproket tool) and he said that the ex-man mesh that was a somewhat frayed would not be a problem so send the new ex-man back. Well, I still have it.

Should I ask him to install it now? Should I just get an after market cat, like a "magnaflow" or other brand and have them both installed instead of needing to replace them later if there is still life in them? Should I have the two O2 sensors changed now as I am not sure that they have been before? I'd like to know roughly how many shop hours it would take to replace the ex-man and attach a new cat or re-weld the old one.

I wish I had garage space to see if I could do the repairs but I don't and my expertise is limited. (btw, the check engine light is NOT on)..

tnx....

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 29 Jun 2014, 15:44

My '94 and the Platinum both had the same break in the last month. My muffler guy was able to weld the pipe back on on both of them - $48.00 each. Find a mom and pop muffler shop and they can fix it.

...Lee

Post by **Matty Moo** » 29 Jun 2014, 17:14

All of mine have broken in that same spot. My local mom and pop joint always welds it up for about $30.

We don't have any corporate type shops where I live, mom and pop joints kick ass. We have 3 of them and the worst is way better than any midas or Firestone.

ksdst1 · Post by **ksdst1** » 29 Jun 2014, 18:04

Tnx for the replies and it is good to know that it might be a quick/inexpensive fix. In regard to swapping out the exhaust manifold (since i have the part), is it just not worth it at this point or is it a good opportunity since they will have to work on the general area? Since neither of you commented on the braided mesh part that is now severed all the way around, does that mean it is a non-issue? And I have one new O2 sensor that hasn't been installed. Is it also the right time for that?
tnx..

ksdst1 · Post by **ksdst1** » 01 Jul 2014, 07:27

Hi Lee, Matty Moo and others....i could still use some helpful guidance in regard to my last few questions.
tnx...

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 01 Jul 2014, 07:40

I think I would be inclined to repair the joint at the catalytic converter first. It usually takes a fair amount of torque to remove the oxygen sensor an I like to have some rigidity in the system when I pull one.

I would treat them all as independent repairs, there really isn't going to be any duplication of procedures in the process of doing things individually beyond suiting up in work clothes and jacking up the front of the car.

...Lee

ksdst1 · Post by **ksdst1** » 01 Jul 2014, 11:38

Tnx Lee...i appreciate your expertise and suggestions!

Post by **cn90** » 01 Jul 2014, 14:23

Yeah,

Get a muffler shop to weld it back for about $50...
Common problem in the 850 S/V70 cars.

Post by **JimBee** » 05 Jul 2014, 09:55

The braided shroud doesn't affect the safety of your exhaust system. I believe it's a debris guard that keeps road crud off the flex joint (which does help the flex last longer). The more important question is, Do you have a cracked flex joint? I just changed my exhaust manifold and the flex was cracked all the way around at the lower end where it joins the header pipe flange. I knew it had a leak which is why I changed it. I didn't realize it was broken completely off.
With the engine running, you can reach down there and feel for a leak.

ksdst1 · Post by **ksdst1** » 06 Jul 2014, 09:33

Tnx for that JimBee...I'll check that today.