Split along seam of Catalytic Converter
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 329
Likes: 28
From: Virginia, USA
2005 c230
Split along seam of Catalytic Converter
2006 E55, 95k miles. Never tracked/street only. While accelerating, Noticed exhaust leak sound (tick tick tick) at tollbooth the other day. Local shop (friend) diagnosed as crack in drivers side front converter. Said the split was along a seam. Welding not an option to fix, per trusted mechanic. FCP not showing any part option. And what I've found thus far is Magnaflow 24334 at around $700. (ouch). Whats interesting is the passenger side is $250. (Why the big difference?)
Anyways, anyone encountered this before, and if so, what was your fix? Also, my goal: stock sound, ability to continue to pass any/all emissions testing that I may encounter in Northern Virginia/Maryland, and a fix that's under $1k.
Anyways, anyone encountered this before, and if so, what was your fix? Also, my goal: stock sound, ability to continue to pass any/all emissions testing that I may encounter in Northern Virginia/Maryland, and a fix that's under $1k.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
2004 e55
I think you may need to find another trusted mechanic and a better welder. If the cat is cracked along the seam there is no reason you couldn't just weld it back together.
Or, buy long tubes with no cats. I would tell my wife it is now a safety issue. You dont want exhaust I the cabin.
Or, buy long tubes with no cats. I would tell my wife it is now a safety issue. You dont want exhaust I the cabin.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 329
Likes: 28
From: Virginia, USA
2005 c230
found a local auto restoration/welding expert type guy. Said he can weld it easily. Have an appt with him on Wednesday morning. Told him my situation is identical to whats here: https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/...onverter-crack
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
2004 e55
Sweet, Better welder saved the day.
I have a cat I work with that is some sort of welding guru. We had a nut on a engine hoist get some buggered threads. This feller welded a new nut on it and it looked like a machine welded it on. He was all timid talking about a bad weld. When I fire up the buzz box you would think I was using a shotgun loaded with porcupine quills.
I have a cat I work with that is some sort of welding guru. We had a nut on a engine hoist get some buggered threads. This feller welded a new nut on it and it looked like a machine welded it on. He was all timid talking about a bad weld. When I fire up the buzz box you would think I was using a shotgun loaded with porcupine quills.
