Catalytic converter question - permanent engine damage?
01-07-2011, 11:39 PM
#1
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ML320; SLK350
Catalytic converter question - permanent engine damage?
I have a 2000 ML320 (original owner!) with 155,000 miles. Left for skiing road trip. After an hour, "check engine" light comes on. Stopped at MB dealer. Says catalytic converter needs to be replaced ($1300 + $300 labor). Asked if OK to drive rest of trip (250 miles) and repair next week. He says yes. Drive another hundred miles, and check engine light comes on... then loss of power. Pulled over. Turned off engine, waited five minutes, then restarted. Drove about a mile then same issue. Turned around and tried to drive back. Made it three miles and car gave up.
1 - What are chances I have permanently damaged engine?
2 - If I replace cat, will I likely be OK?
3 - Anyone had success using non-OEM parts such as from eBay?
I am, of course, in the middle of nowhere in a town of 14,000 people (better than being on side of road, I guess). Thank you for your advice.
1 - What are chances I have permanently damaged engine?
2 - If I replace cat, will I likely be OK?
3 - Anyone had success using non-OEM parts such as from eBay?
I am, of course, in the middle of nowhere in a town of 14,000 people (better than being on side of road, I guess). Thank you for your advice.
01-08-2011, 02:54 AM
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1) I doubt that your engine is damaged because of the CAT problem.
2) I think you should be Ok after replace with a new CAT. My guess the reason why your car would run anymore because of the CAT break apart inside and clogged up the exhaust.
01-12-2011, 09:13 PM
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I had the same symptoms on my 98 ML320 with 183K miles. Replaced the plugs and wires. Didn't help.
Replaced the Mass Air Sensor. Didn't help.
Replaced both Driver side and Passenger Side Catalytic Converters for $1500. It works.
In addition to the $1500 the above stuff cost me $1200 along with all new hoses and belts. I want 250K miles out of this car and haven't had a car payment since 2003 so it was well worth it.
Replaced the Mass Air Sensor. Didn't help.
Replaced both Driver side and Passenger Side Catalytic Converters for $1500. It works.
In addition to the $1500 the above stuff cost me $1200 along with all new hoses and belts. I want 250K miles out of this car and haven't had a car payment since 2003 so it was well worth it.
01-13-2011, 10:06 AM
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2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I have a 2000 ML320 (original owner!) with 155,000 miles. Left for skiing road trip. After an hour, "check engine" light comes on. Stopped at MB dealer. Says catalytic converter needs to be replaced ($1300 + $300 labor). Asked if OK to drive rest of trip (250 miles) and repair next week. He says yes. Drive another hundred miles, and check engine light comes on... then loss of power. Pulled over. Turned off engine, waited five minutes, then restarted. Drove about a mile then same issue. Turned around and tried to drive back. Made it three miles and car gave up.
1 - What are chances I have permanently damaged engine?
2 - If I replace cat, will I likely be OK?
3 - Anyone had success using non-OEM parts such as from eBay?
I am, of course, in the middle of nowhere in a town of 14,000 people (better than being on side of road, I guess). Thank you for your advice.
1 - What are chances I have permanently damaged engine?
2 - If I replace cat, will I likely be OK?
3 - Anyone had success using non-OEM parts such as from eBay?
I am, of course, in the middle of nowhere in a town of 14,000 people (better than being on side of road, I guess). Thank you for your advice.
Likely be OK if all Cats are replaced
Some non OEM are OK but the OEM is the way to go. E Bay is NOT a credable source of MB parts.
02-11-2011, 08:37 PM
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2002 Mercedes c32 1998 Toyota tacoma 2002 Honda Cbr600f4i
Was the welds on the cats cracked? While running was it loud? If it was it should be under warranty 8/80k. Oh and btw change your tranny fluid!!!!!
02-11-2011, 09:36 PM
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99 Ml320
The cat/cats will need to be replaced. The catalytic converter is clogged and the back pressure from the exhaust will stall the engine. If you are stuck you just need to wait until the pressure goes back down. As for the motor should be alright.
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04-17-2012, 04:25 PM
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I have a 2000 ML320 (original owner!) with 155,000 miles. Left for skiing road trip. After an hour, "check engine" light comes on. Stopped at MB dealer. Says catalytic converter needs to be replaced ($1300 + $300 labor). Asked if OK to drive rest of trip (250 miles) and repair next week. He says yes. Drive another hundred miles, and check engine light comes on... then loss of power. Pulled over. Turned off engine, waited five minutes, then restarted. Drove about a mile then same issue. Turned around and tried to drive back. Made it three miles and car gave up.
1 - What are chances I have permanently damaged engine?
2 - If I replace cat, will I likely be OK?
3 - Anyone had success using non-OEM parts such as from eBay?
I am, of course, in the middle of nowhere in a town of 14,000 people (better than being on side of road, I guess). Thank you for your advice.
1 - What are chances I have permanently damaged engine?
2 - If I replace cat, will I likely be OK?
3 - Anyone had success using non-OEM parts such as from eBay?
I am, of course, in the middle of nowhere in a town of 14,000 people (better than being on side of road, I guess). Thank you for your advice.
