tusabes

There's nothing wrong with using magnaflow cats

sounds like the exhaust shop guy is fair, let him look at it and say what it needs .

amstel78

LOL. What did you have in mind? And the day I never see snow again can't come soon enough. I grew up in Florida. Think I'll retire there too, it's just I have another 23 years to go before I reach my organization's retirement age and I've already been here for 15 years.

As for the puff of smoke after letting off full throttle - it happens. Could just be unburnt fuel being dumped. Worst case, could be oil or coolant. Look at your coolant reservoir; do you have an oily film floating on the water? Are you losing coolant? What about under the oil cap? If you see milky oil residue even after a hard run and the engine is to temp, then that could signify coolant getting into the engine and mixing with oil. If that was the case, your car would be smoking all the time though. I wouldn't be too concerned about that yet.

As for your cats, yes I do believe there are four. There's usually a pre-cat and a cat on each bank. If you're going to replace them, might as well do all four at once and be done with it. If one cat is going bad, chances are the others are on their way south as well. I only suggested replacing the sensors first, because they're cheaper than replacing the cats. And if the sensors are indeed bad, you're still going to get a CEL.

Having them replaced by a muffler shop is easy. Old ones get cut off, replacements get welded back into place. Unless the piping itself is rusted and in bad shape, they shouldn't have to do anything else. Should take less than 2 hours. 6-7 is just nuts. Whoever told you that is just trying to take advantage of an already crappy situation.

amstel78

Here's one way to empty a cat:
Just bear in mind that doing so is tampering with a federally mandated emissions control device. You'd also need to have the ECU retuned since you're essentially straight pipes at this point and the O2 sensors will be giving off false readings resulting in a constant CEL. Not worth the hassle IMO and you'll never pass a smog probe test. Readiness monitors for O2 will also be off - just letting you know in case NYS tests for monitor readiness as well.

When I ran DPF-less and catless straight pipes on my modded TDI, I only did so because my county in PA doesn't perform emissions inspections. However, if I ever wanted to sell or register in another state that does emissions testing, I'd be screwed. Good thing VW bought my car back due to dieselgate.

CLK500 TWINS

Yes, I imagined so. I do plan on it, as the other shop seemed to be out of their friggin mind with 6-7 hours labor.

CLK500 TWINS

Well the car definitely doesn't smoke all the time and I am not loosing coolant. I will check the reservoirs when I have a chance. I watched the video you attached, it seems like more effort than it's worth and something tells me these cars will notice the difference and may remain lit up with the cel. I'm not sure what NY does in their testing methods, but I was told that my car is California emissions, whatever that means-but they are stricter than most.

I actually would like to change the 02 sensors, but no one has seemed to suggest that it's them or that we should at least try them first. I've read mixed things, some say 90% off all efficiency codes are downstream 02 sensors and if it is the cats it's because upstream 02's were bad for a long time. That's why I asked if you were up for a project? Many in this industry run with worse case scenario and if after you've spent big money, you still have a problem, then they want to do small things. It's the reverse order of what financially makes sense. I suppose I can purchase them and go just about anywhere to have them installed. If my cats are indeed shot or on their way out, will this burn out the new sensors though? I don't want to buy them twice and replace cats.

Yes, I am actually curious of what my advisor there would say, as he wasn't in yesterday and I got stuck with the schmuck I dealt with. I watched a youtube video in which it only took 45 minutes, so to say 6-7 hours (at 129/hr) is definitely a "you're a woman, so you're dumb" move.

amstel78

I would definitely start with the cheaper option first - replace the O2 sensors on the left bank. They have a finite lifespan and probably need replacement anyway. Clear the stored DTC and drive it around for a bit. If the CEL comes back, then you know it's probably the cats. I wouldn't worry about the new O2 sensor burning out. You can then replace the 2 cats on the left bank first, clear DTCs and drive around some more. Hopefully then you won't get any more error codes. If that's the case, you can then wait until the right side cats go bad and replace them at your leisure.

CLK500 TWINS

So you say replace both the upstream and downstream on the left bank? I've read that normally the upstreams throw off the downstream- so there could be a possibility I guess of it still being good. Is it maybe better to start with both upstream? Would a faulty 02 sensor(s) cause a lack of exhaust from the left pipe. It was pretty cold this morning and the left side was giving me next to nothing compared to the right. Ever seen a case where something (rodent) wise climbed in there to stay warm? It crossed my mind, but I imagine there would be an odor.

tusabes

If you are getting much less exhaust from one pipe your cat is probably plugged- not with a rodent but the actual honeycomb of the converter

amstel78

What tusabes said. Could be the cause of the problem you're having since the code is basically a flow issue. Maybe the O2 sensors are fine and it really is just a plugged up cat. At this point...

CLK500 TWINS

lol at the picture. Yea, I have a feeling that is the case. if i push it and come to a full stop, it lets what seems like too much and when I just run it normally, it flows much less than the right, which I consider to be about normal.

I have searched for ways to rectify this without replacing the cats, I have found everything from a gallon of lacquer thinner to 9 gallons of gas ( yes you heard that right), to spraying carb cleaner into a hole drilled into the exhaust while the car runs, keeping a fire extinguisher handy (sounds like a fun little project, who wants to volunteer). Then things like cat clean, etc.

The muffler shop just called and told me 1800 for both sides for the Magnaflow. Cant see where they are getting that price, given I found the Magnaflows here http://www.hottexhaust.com/search.ph...2+%22444105%22 185 per front and 165 per rear. They had told me it would only be 2 hours, so Im not certain what they are smoking. Is anyone good at welding? Anyone? I'll buy the parts and the beer

amstel78

Shop around with other muffler places, but the important thing to ask is if they'll perform the work if you supply your own parts. Some will agree, others won't as they make money on the mark up. Find one that says yes, then buy the cats yourself. Just make sure they're the right ones before they start cutting things off!

Wish I knew how to weld (and had a 2 post lift in my garage), otherwise I'd help you out.

CLK500 TWINS

yea I have called a few places. The first shop did say that I could buy my own, but to be honest- I think the link I provided is right, it says it is, I just am so out of my comfort zone as there are no part numbers to cross reference. Any input here?

I came across DEC and they make them, direct fit for my car, just not NY legal. A phone call to R&D and they can and will make them special ordered to fit and be NY complaint. I have to order them through a local distributor and they can have them out in a few days, my guy said he can do direct fit, he cant do the welding. DEC is 950 per cat, 850 if I get my guy to order it through his shop. So presumably around the same as the first shop quoted me to do the magnaflow welds per side. They don't gurantee though and DEC comes with a 2yr/12,000 mile internal warranty and a 5 yr/25,000 mile manufacturer/fit/emissions warranty. I think it may be worth it to go this route.

I was also thinking it may be cheaper to buy an entire wrecked s55 and keep it for my disposal of usable parts , but this may be a bit much, albeit, possibly cheaper at this point.

Any experience with DEC? Any idea if the link I provided are the correct Magnaflow cats?

I wish you did too, I trust you gentleman here a lot more than some of these shops. Knowledge wise, skill wise and the ability to think outside the box here is unprecedented.

amstel78

Sorry, don't know much about DEC. I've heard of them in passing, but never researched the quality of their products. Truth be told, I haven't had to change a cat on any of the vehicles I've owned yet so this is an area I don't have too much knowledge on.

Have you called Magnaflow and given them a VIN to cross check their catalog with? You could also ask about their MSRP on the correct cats for your vehicle.

Lastly, have you checked Fleabay? A quick search shows some generic cats and even Magnaflow units for around 120 bucks, and then the DEC units; both left and right for about $500 and change each.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...5+amg&_sacat=0

CLK500 TWINS

No, I haven't called Magnaflow, but I did visit their website and the link I provided is for the correct front and rear cats. With a coupon code, I can get all 4 for $531 from Hottexhaust.

Yes I did check out eBay, the dec ones you see there are the ones they make for my car, a direct fit, but they are not CA/NY CARB compliant. They are willing to custom make them NY CARB complaint, direct fit for 950 my cost/ 850 if my guy orders them through his shop.

So now it's just a matter of which is the best way to go. Cut and weld 4 brand new cats for around 850 total (have to call around and see what local shops will charge just for installation) or direct fit one for about 1000 (my guy won't charge me much, but I'll have to give him something. What are your thoughts on the matter? Does it matter either way?

amstel78

Apparently NYS has some weird laws when it comes to catalytic converter replacement. Have you seen this information?

http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/90781.html

Per the regulation, as long as you use a certified AMCC (after market cat converter), you should be fine. I didn't see anything there stating it has to be NYS compliant, just that it has to be a 50 state certified aftermarket unit. You should ask DEC if they're 50 state carb compliant, which they should be since they're new units.

My thoughts? Go with the cheapest legal option available if a cat replacement is indeed warranted.

CLK500 TWINS

Yea, NY adopted CA laws as per 2013. So Ny and Ca now have the same emissions standards. A lot of the ones you'll see will say 48 or even 49(since NY & CA follow same guidelines) state compliant. Most of the cheaper units, are EPA or Federally complaint, but NY/CA CARB complaint seems to cost a considerable bit more. Not sure what the difference in the actual cat is, but a regular magnaflow is $60, the NY/CA version is $185 for my car

tusabes

If you want the cheapest option, get on Craigslist I'm sure there are some w220 being parted out , I know there are plenty in California

you can probably get the entire exhaust system front to rear including o2 sensors for $200

try these , although I think they are selling the whole cars


https://newyork.craigslist.org/que/cto/5982350826.html


https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/5965152843.html

https://newyork.craigslist.org/que/ptd/6017664849.html

CLK500 TWINS

Thank you for this, it will definitely prove useful as I need the under-seat compartment door for the driver and passenger. They both open and close, but they are broken.

A search I did several days ago told me that my s55 cats were not the same as the s500 or s430 cats. Mercedes only charges $470 for the s500 cat where mine are 2100 or some other foolishness.

Are they intact interchangeable?

tusabes

They are interchangeable on the non supercharged models like yours

CLK500 TWINS

This is certainly good to know. The Parts diagram I follow at OEMmercedesbenzparts.com seems to be inaccurate, as it has failed me twice during this project. Is there a reliable parts diagram I can find out there for future reference? I mean, I looked at both the S500 & the S430 and they are a fraction of the cost, but they insisted that they weren't a fit for my car.

I decided to shop around and came across a custom exhaust shop that had good reviews for being honest, fairly priced and doing good work. He said even though I have 4, the rear two aren't being read by the computer, so there is no sense in replacing them. He said if it were his car he would replace the front 2, eliminate the rear and straight pipe it. He said if he were to get them it would be 429/per side plus 95/per side for the rear, a total of 1049. I told him that I had found the magnaflow fronts online for $185/ea with 25% off- 138/per cat, 277 total. He checked they were the correct ones and told me to buy them and he'd weld fit them for $175/per side, plus the $95 per side to eliminate and straight pipe the rears. So a total of $540 for him to install, $277 for both cats- $817 in total.

I think this is a good way to go. This way they are both done and I don't have to worry about doing the other a month or two down the road. I believe his price is fair, not much to compare it to though.

amstel78

I think that price is fair considering he's allowing you to buy your own cats and not go through them for the parts. Not sure what muffler shops charge per hour for labor, but in most cases, general mechanic labor is usually billed around $98-140 per hour depending on where you go. Anyway, it sounds like you've got a good plan together. Just make sure that if there are any downstream O2 sensors, that he include bungs in the new piping to accommodate. Let us know how things turn out. I'm hoping you can finally get all these issues resolved.

amstel78

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/jalopnik/full/~3/3Ic5TghsVjE/here-s-some-hilarious-bull****-about-catalytic-converte-1793347662

The above link mentioned catalytic converters, but after reading the first paragraph, hilarity followed. Just thought I'd post it to brighten your mood. Enjoy.

CLK500 TWINS

That article was funny, it's a prime example at how plagiarism by way of just switching someone else's word around can and will bite you in your *** if neither you or the person you are plagiarizing has no clue what they are writing about.

According to the exhaust guy, the downstream sensors are directly after the first cat. I asked him if spacers or any other adjustments would be necessary for the 02 sensors with the magnaflow cats and he told me no.

I thought the price sounded reasonable, being that I have heard the front cats are a real PITA to get to.

I certainly hope this is it as well, I'd like to spend more time enjoying the car. It's been quite a complex project thus far.

CLK500 TWINS

Okay, my cats are due in today and before I make a really expensive mistake by cutting up my originals, I wanted to be sure. I read this which made me extremely cautious http://www.easterncatalytic.com/education/tech-tips/the-misleading-nature-of-the-po42o-code/
So I reset the code and borrowd a pocket scanner from my guy to watch readiness monitors. Code came back 3 days later (yesterday) before last 2 monitors were ready.
Here is the freeze frame data and I am hoping you gentleman can help me interpret what I am seeing.
https://*******/photos/QPrHVFt1xLkuN9Xa8

CLK500 TWINS

https://*******/photos/QPrHVFt1xLkuN9Xa8
it keeps truning it into asterisks, it is //*******/