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-   -   Wagon R: Noise from Catalytic converter? EDIT: Cat Con is GUILTY. (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/technical-stuff/67270-wagon-r-noise-catalytic-converter-edit-cat-con-guilty.html)

My car has gone in for service today.

Its done about 44k kms and is a August 2004 model.
The milage is a good 13.5 kmpl and there are no issues with acceleration and top speed.

However a irritating noise had set in.
It would sound a lot like the noise motorbikes make with loose chains.
Esp those with a covered chain compartment.
This noise would only come when accelerating slowly from the 10 kmph to 30 kmph.
The noise would disappear if I floor it.
No noise at any high speeds.

I just recieved a call from the Service Advisor that the cat con has conked.
Price 12k.

Can this noise be caused by a busted cat con.
Is the Auth. Service Station pulling a fast one.

What are the options, I have.

Thanks,
Imran

i think it could be a fried packing ? check with a local mech. Exhaust packing comes for Rs 10-20, fitting for Rs. 50max.

I'm facing the same issue with my 2000 model M800. I got it checked at three diff service stations. It seems to be a busted cat con.

Another thing to check they said is if the exhaust mounts have come off.

I was quoted 11K by one service station for cat con replacement, another quoted 9K.
Yet to get it replaced.

I'm also trying to find out if there are any after market options available!

As per the latest update from the service station.

1. Only impact is reduced acceleration.
2. Part is not easily available. Will need to place an order if needed.

@aZa:
I am going to investigate the fried packing part.
Can I do this on my own?
What should I look for?

Is it a metalic sound you hear, especially when you start the car? You can mostly get it packed at a service center at a nominal cost. I don't remember the exact cost. I had the same issue and got it packed. It is almost six months now and have no issues.

Pradeep

Imagine a couple of coins in a mixie.
It is a very metallic sound.

Called up the Auth SS.
The Service Advisor is very confident that the sound is coming from the Cat Con only.
He tells me that it has jammed on the inside.
I have no idea how that is possible.

But sitting here in office while my car is being checked out is a nightmarish feeling.

3. Also impact on the environment.

Any update on the packing thingie?

Yes the environmental impact alone is enough for me to get this replaced.

I took the car to Pune over the weekend.
No issue with speed. Did Hyderabad - Pune (550) in under 9 hours.
Milage of almost 18 kmpl.

I will go to another service center this weekend or as soon as I get sometime.

bblost, are you sure this isn't the engine knocking (bad fuel, bad state of tune or overheating)? Significant engine knocking produces a similar kinda sound. And 44K kms is way too early for a cat-con component failure.

GTO,

Whats the average life of a cat con?
Also read somewhere/heard that push starting and MPFI engine can cause cat con failure? Is it true?

Try This -

- Have the old catalytic converter cut & source another catalytic converter from a car wrecker types - accident or something , & have it welded . Will last for another 4/5 years .

I am not sure if this is a good idea.
An opened cat con is a BIO hazard.

I am going to get the car tested at another service center.
Will update on what they recommend.
If they also find the problem with the cat con and can prove its gone by lifting the car up and pinpointing the sound.
The car will get a new cat con.

I know a friend who has done this & no issues till date , rest as you wish . :-)

Opened Cat. Converter - is degassed & cleaned . & then again re-sealed in a box & wielded

Huh? Why?

All cat cons use platinum, rhodium and/or palladium And all these metals are used for jewellery.

Maybe, after opening up, they may not be as efficient, but that is not same thing.

I have read that the cat con becomes toxic with use and must be handled with extreme care.
This is because of the fine mist of all the pollutants a car produces getting concentrated here.

Am I wrong?


Found this link
Catalytic Converter - Performance Catalytic Converter - Catco, Magnaflow, Flowmaster, DEC

It says that the reason for cat con failure is generally a busted 02 sensor.

Can my car do 300 kms in four hours and return a mileage of 18.2 kmpl
(figures from my recent trip to Pune)
1. with busted cat con
2. bad state of tune

I have the habit of driving non stop.
Hyderabad - Chennai (650 kms, 11 hours) with just one 15 min break in between.
Is a wagon R not capable of such non stop drives?