Cracked Catalytic Converter (buying, repair, 2004, car)

[rhawkins74]

I have a catalytic converter that is cracked probably 60% around a seam. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of what could work for a good temp fix.

[Jaggy001]

How did it get cracked?

I had a problem with mine after hitting a rock (no, I couldn't avoid it) and the insurance covered the replacement as it was, technically, a collision.

[rhawkins74]

Originally Posted by Jaggy001

How did it get cracked?

I had a problem with mine after hitting a rock (no, I couldn't avoid it) and the insurance covered the replacement as it was, technically, a collision.

someone was driving too fast over a speed hump, and the car bottomed out, which caused it.

[cdelena]

I had as CC defect and replaced it with a used unit I found on the internet. Some owners remove the cat on their car so there may be a few available depending upon the model.

[rhawkins74]

Originally Posted by cdelena

I had as CC defect and replaced it with a used unit I found on the internet. Some owners remove the cat on their car so there may be a few available depending upon the model.

I found one that I was able to purchase for about 300. The shop wants 800 to repair. I will end up doing it myself, which isnt a big deal. But I am going to have to wait for about one month, because we just dropped almost 1500 on a new PCM. This is why I was wondering if there was any way to do a temp fix.

[WonderingWanderer]

As a temp fix, you could use a hi-temp JB weld like JB MarineWeld (it'll hold to 500 degrees) and some metal from something like a cola can. Reinforce with muffler tape. Seriously, this would only be temporary. Good luck.

[rhawkins74]

Originally Posted by WonderingWanderer

As a temp fix, you could use a hi-temp JB weld like JB MarineWeld (it'll hold to 500 degrees) and some metal from something like a cola can. Reinforce with muffler tape. Seriously, this would only be temporary. Good luck.

I tried JB weld, JB Marine Weld, and QuickSteel. They only held for a about one day.

[WonderingWanderer]

Did you use a metal patch with the jb weld? With that and then wrap wire around it, it might hold longer.

[whiteboyslo]

operating temps and thermal expansion/contraction of a catalytic converter make it difficult for anything to stick that isn't made from similar material. i would second buying a used cat and replacing it, or maybe seeing if a muffler shop can weld it.

Mike

[M3 Mitch]

Very likely a *good* TIG/MIG welder can fix it in place, no sweat. Some muffler shop welders can do this, some can't.