1996 850 Catalytic Converter

[mtd240]

Any updates? Want to know what I am in for. I guess it's just that time of the year, for cat outlet welds to crack. My '98 XC has been getting a little noisy lately - finally peeked under the car and saw the crack last night, which has progressed to ~270deg around the seam.

Had the hardest time finding a shop that would weld it - Meineke and Midas won't do it for less than $300-$400. Finally found a local guy working out of an old Shell gas station, who said he'd do it for $90-$200 (depending on if he needs to pull the pipe down or not, I guess).

There are no codes currently - should I expect this cat to keep on keepin' on, or is it on the "last legs" of a V70 cat's average expected mileage? Deciding between welding and replacing.

[JimBee]

I don't know the average life of a Volvo cat. You might find a more reasonable welding repair if that's what you decide to do at a speed type shop where they do all kinds of mods. If there's one in your area it would be worth a try. It's probably a ten minute repair once the car is on the lift.

[ksdst1]

Hey there. So I took her over to my independent volvo guy and they welded the pipe back onto the converter. My question, "how long do you think until it goes?" response, "When it goes.." Which I accepted as the best and most practical answer to that question. I paid $75 for the work. I didn't try local muffler places b/c if he had determined that I needed a new CAT, then I'd want him to do the work.

Now I have to figure out why after changing the RAD fluid level sensor, it still stays on where as it would intermittently stay off and then go on as apparently happens when it starts to stick when going bad. I'm also having to use the shift lock at times and the speedo won't work at times. So I'll need to do lots of reading in the forum to try and track down those issues....
cheers...

[Ozark Lee]

There is a magnetic float in the overflow tank that can sometimes stick. Usually a good smack with the heel of your hand will free it if it is stuck. Is the connector OK? Check it for corrosion.

...Lee

[mtd240]

I also had a shop weld it, cost ~$90 ("mom-and-pop" shop). We will see how long it lasts!

[chexny]

Just had the exact same problem last night. Actually I could see/hear it going and thought I had some more time on it. I have to admit I kind of like the sound of the car better now. Lets see what my local guy charges.

[chexny]

Just to update - 1.5hrs labor plus parts s/b around $200. Shop charged the extra 1/2 hr I think because they said it was hard to get the weld done because of where it split from the cat. A bit pricey but beats the daylights out of the alternative.

[ksdst1]

Lee,
Can you tell me if that magnetic float goes bad or can be replaced? Is it part of the sensor I replaced? the connections are corrosion clean. Still get the false positive reading with the new sensor although when I give it a whack now it doesn't go off for a short time like it did before I replaced it.
tnx...

[Ozark Lee]

I haven't seen a float go bad but it is certainly possible. The only real way to fix it is to replace the overflow tank.

...Lee