Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

I decided to have my catalytic converter removed as it has done nearly 280'000km and I don't know the history of the vehicle. I wasn't sure if it was starting to come apart or was blocked etc.

Upon removal it was in great condition and could easily be seen through. My last 10'000km of 2stroke mix might have played a part.

Although I was glad I did remove it as a bit of a bump and a shake revealed some shards pointing to the fact that the metal was fatigued and slowly coming apart.

So, I suspect there is no need to worry about your catalytic converter, unless your are getting over 250'000km.

I felt no noticeable increase in performance - time will tell what it does to my economy.

4e,

I just spoke to my brother regarding the same thing - he will remove my Cat converter and fit a 63mm free flow system this coming easter. Don't chuck it away - he gets paid about R250 for each one due to the platinum inside.

What does a CAT do exactly on a diesel engine?
What will the effect be to the environment if it is removed?

CATS

CATS wrote:What does a CAT do exactly on a diesel engine?

to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon-monoxide emissions.

CATS wrote: What will the effect be to the environment if it is removed?

More of the above.

I like the idea of a catalytic converter but I firmly believe the cost and impact of manufacturing those precious metals puts more emissions into the atmosphere than what it saves in it's worklife on the vehicle. (Same as the prius leaving a bigger impact on the environment with those batteries than an old v8 bronco)

IMHO - don't have facts to back it up.

Removed my cat-converter last week and can feel some increase in power, especially low down torque, and also see better fuel consumption.

so besides increased emissions is there no potential negative impact from taking it out? And what are the consequences of it failing or clogging?

Clogging can lead to increased backpressure and resulting high egt. That can lead to loss of performance and at worst failed turbo or head!

Ok thanks 4e. I see yours seemed to be in pretty good condition even after 280 000km of operation. My vehicle is currently just under 200k but am cinsidering removing the EGR and cat converter soon.

I had the issue with excessive carbon build up etc from EGR and my piston cracked forcing a rebuild. Therefore now want to take whatever steps I can to prevent that from happening again.

what symptoms did you have with the cracked piston?

Removed my cat two weeks ago. Could not see through it. Really badly blocked. What a difference in power afterwards.