aftermarket catalytic converter?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 449
Likes: 21
aftermarket catalytic converter?
Hey guys. I'm in need of a new catalytic converter, would any of you recommend an aftermarket one? Are they any good or should I just bite the bullet and buy a genuine OEM replacement? Since they are more than three times the cost I would rather not.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 33,535
Likes: 1,142
the is a 8/80 emission parts warranty- but as with most of the other warranties- kiss that goodbye with the salvage title
Why should acura cover a car that may have been underwater and damaged many things?
Thats why its sold as junk!
Go with local muffler shops suggested part or call excelerate- either way- save a grand
Why should acura cover a car that may have been underwater and damaged many things?
Thats why its sold as junk!
Go with local muffler shops suggested part or call excelerate- either way- save a grand
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 33,535
Likes: 1,142
thats the hi-flo one that Excelerate carries for us!
He has a few choices from basic to performance
Has the local muffler shop tested your cat and found it needs to be replaced?
WHY?
and what was their price on aftermarket unit?
He has a few choices from basic to performance
Has the local muffler shop tested your cat and found it needs to be replaced?
WHY?
and what was their price on aftermarket unit?
Here are some pics of the Random Technology Cat.
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/look-what-canada-post-brought-me-696291/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/look-what-canada-post-brought-me-696291/
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 881
Likes: 9
From: VA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 881
Likes: 9
From: VA
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 449
Likes: 21
Has the local muffler shop tested your cat and found it needs to be replaced?
WHY?
and what was their price on aftermarket unit?
WHY?
and what was their price on aftermarket unit?
The car is due for an emissions inspection in about 6 months so I don't want to have to deal with CEL troubles, I just want a good converter that will pass smog.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,348
Likes: 33
From: Louisville, KY
Not sure if you're implying that any/all salvage title vehicles are "junk" or not but as AZP-TL stated some were involved in relatively minor accidents & for whatever reason the ins. companies chose not to have them repaired.
yup, i bought mine with a salvaged title and now is a rebuilt title, have no issues with it except the trans. my other tl (03tl-p) is also salvage, had its engine, trans, and airbags stolen, now it a rebuilt and no problems.
i know that with a salvaged/ rebuilt title u have no warranty and the value of the car goes down but for the price i payed of it, couldnt be happier.
i know that with a salvaged/ rebuilt title u have no warranty and the value of the car goes down but for the price i payed of it, couldnt be happier.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,348
Likes: 33
From: Louisville, KY
I'm with you, mine was salvage, now rebuilt title. Haven't had issues other than normal stuff like brakes. It's not perfect but I don't have to have a perfect car. Couldn't afford one otherwise, with all my other expenses.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 449
Likes: 21
Well from what I've read of other's who have gone through this and the muffler shops I talked to it seems like a genuine OEM replacement would be the best choice; none of the shops I talked to will guarantee it won't throw a CEL light with an aftermarket and I don't want to have to deal with this again and spend more money.
I'm going to have the converter and sensors checked again just to make sure.
Also, has anyone ever had a code P1739? Looks like it has to do with the 3rd clutch pressure switch. The car runs fine, just less than optimal mileage due to this cat problem.
I'm going to have the converter and sensors checked again just to make sure.
Also, has anyone ever had a code P1739? Looks like it has to do with the 3rd clutch pressure switch. The car runs fine, just less than optimal mileage due to this cat problem.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 230
If you're still getting code p0420, try using a can of bg44k in a quarter tank of gas. Then do some wide open throttle accelerations and a 20 minute cruise at 2500 rpm or so. Repeat one time if necessary.
Cruisin'
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I replaced my CAT on a 99 tl with an aftermarket 11 months ago. The check engine light would not go out, so I just drove it that way for 11 months. I sold my car today. The buyer required a smog certificate, so the muffler shop replaced my CAT today for no charge and erased the light. After driving it for 120 miles it passed the smog test, but when the buyer drove the car home, the check engine light came on again. How can he get that light to stay off without buying an Acura CAT? The computer does not seem to accept a CAT that is not purchased at Acura.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 881
Likes: 9
From: VA
Try cleaning your EGR port. More details can be found in this thread. https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=egr+port+code
This post pretty much spells out the cause and fix.
This post pretty much spells out the cause and fix.
I got this in a quick search where a few other freaky codes were involved
A code P0420 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
* Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for
* An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly
* The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
* Damaged exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / exhaust pipe
* Retarded spark timing
If I had to guess, I would say the EGR valve is either faulty or not working at all and needs to be replaced. . Double-check with a mechanic before you begin arbitrarily replacing parts, but the EGR valve should be where you start looking. You could also have one of the upstream O2 sensors failing (not uncommon for a vehicle with high miles). But definitely start looking at the EGR valve/system.
End of copied material
================================================== =======================
SO in relation to the TL = especially a 99 which had a Recall for the EGR port getting plugged
Did you ever have that done? Not sure??-call acura 1-800-382-2238 x5 and ask them- thats the warranty/customer service/ info center
If it was never done- you can score a free cleaning of the port and they install a sleeve that supposed to prevent the prob but doesnt. 99s got some other emission related tune up parts special warranty as well. ASK the person at the 800 = they are not car people or acura techs- but can look up things in books for you pretty well~
See your dealers service manager and ask about those things in person if possible
Never know when you may leave in a free loaner 08 TL while they do some warranty work or recalls for you!
The TL -(I am guessing why) probably/maybe?? because of it ultra efficient emmission system- seems to plug the EGR ports in the intake manifold-- and need cleaning about every 75,000 miles
Its not the egr valve that fails- its where all that exhaust gas goes is the problem!!
A code P0420 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
* Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for
* An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly
* The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
* Damaged exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / exhaust pipe
* Retarded spark timing
If I had to guess, I would say the EGR valve is either faulty or not working at all and needs to be replaced. . Double-check with a mechanic before you begin arbitrarily replacing parts, but the EGR valve should be where you start looking. You could also have one of the upstream O2 sensors failing (not uncommon for a vehicle with high miles). But definitely start looking at the EGR valve/system.
End of copied material
================================================== =======================
SO in relation to the TL = especially a 99 which had a Recall for the EGR port getting plugged
Did you ever have that done? Not sure??-call acura 1-800-382-2238 x5 and ask them- thats the warranty/customer service/ info center
If it was never done- you can score a free cleaning of the port and they install a sleeve that supposed to prevent the prob but doesnt. 99s got some other emission related tune up parts special warranty as well. ASK the person at the 800 = they are not car people or acura techs- but can look up things in books for you pretty well~
See your dealers service manager and ask about those things in person if possible
Never know when you may leave in a free loaner 08 TL while they do some warranty work or recalls for you!
The TL -(I am guessing why) probably/maybe?? because of it ultra efficient emmission system- seems to plug the EGR ports in the intake manifold-- and need cleaning about every 75,000 miles
Its not the egr valve that fails- its where all that exhaust gas goes is the problem!!
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 230
I replaced my CAT on a 99 tl with an aftermarket 11 months ago. The check engine light would not go out, so I just drove it that way for 11 months. I sold my car today. The buyer required a smog certificate, so the muffler shop replaced my CAT today for no charge and erased the light. After driving it for 120 miles it passed the smog test, but when the buyer drove the car home, the check engine light came on again. How can he get that light to stay off without buying an Acura CAT? The computer does not seem to accept a CAT that is not purchased at Acura.
Any of the other suggested fixes, like seafoam, egr cleaning, new plugs, o2 sensors, etc. are all good maintenance ideas and have worked in some cases, but their success rates are lower.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 291
Likes: 25
yes. I cleared the code (P0420) by EGR port cleaning, hopes it won't come back. When I went the a couple shop they qoute me from $210 ~ $500, so during the time, I searched and read about Vibrant Performance Metal Core High Flow Catalytic Converter which feature an ultra high flow 300 cell per square inch rank the same as RT.
I doubt has anyone tried it on our TL or how's the products? The price is too good to be true compare to RT.
I doubt has anyone tried it on our TL or how's the products? The price is too good to be true compare to RT.
Cruisin'
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Acura inspected my 99TL for the cause of the P0420 code and told me that it was the CAT that was causing the light and the only way to get the light out was to install an Acura CAT for $1400. The CAT is brand new and passed the smog test, but I guess the Acura computer will not recognize it. Sounds like Acura set it's computer so owners can't buy aftermarket CATS without a problem. Anyone have any ideas?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 881
Likes: 9
From: VA
Acura inspected my 99TL for the cause of the P0420 code and told me that it was the CAT that was causing the light and the only way to get the light out was to install an Acura CAT for $1400. The CAT is brand new and passed the smog test, but I guess the Acura computer will not recognize it. Sounds like Acura set it's computer so owners can't buy aftermarket CATS without a problem. Anyone have any ideas?
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